UPDATE- Turkey says Libya's withdrawal of vote decision will not contribute to stability, transition

By Beyza Binnur Donmez and Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Wednesday criticized the decision to withdraw a vote of confidence from Libya's government.

"It is clear that the reported decision made on withdrawal of the vote of confidence from the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the session of House of Representatives held in Tobruq on 21 September 2021 will not contribute to the stability and the transition process of Libya," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"GNU should remain in office with full authority until the elections, as stipulated by the Roadmap, in order to hold the elections on the scheduled date, managing the transition process and preserving the tranquility in the country," it said.

The ministry urged all parties to put aside conflicts of personal interest and focus on Libya’s priorities.

"Turkey, which has been an advocate of the UN facilitated, Libyan led and owned political process since the outset, will continue to extend its support to the friendly and brotherly people of Libya and the legitimate Libyan administration," it added.

The parliament decided to withdraw confidence from the government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh by a majority of 89 of 113 lawmakers who attended the session.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a telephone call with Dbeibeh on Wednesday and reiterated Turkey's support to the GNU against the decision by the Libyan House of Representatives session to withdraw the vote of confidence given to the GNU.

- MIKTA foreign ministers meet

The foreign ministers of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia, known as MIKTA, also met as part of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

"Started a busy day in #NewYork by reviewing topics on our agenda at the 19th #MIKTA FM Meeting. Discussed situation in #Afghanistan, recognition of vaccine certificates & vaccination aid to underdeveloped countries in the framework of the fight against #COVID19. #UNGA76," Cavusoglu said on Twitter.