Turkey's main opposition objects to Libya deal

Duvar English

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers have objected to a deal signed between Turkey and Libya, saying that some aspects of it are against the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Turkish parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission on Dec. 16 approved the deal on military cooperation between the two countries, with the commission's members from the CHP placing dissenting opinions.

The statement of opposition signed by Ünal Çeviköz, Oğuz Kaan Salıcı, Yunus Emre, Haluk Koç and Utku Çakırözer said that the deal would pave the way for the transfer of paramilitary powers from Turkey to Libya, as well as those in Syria's jihadist hub Idlib, under "consultancy services" and "coordination of intelligence and operational activities."

"This regulation poses a major threat for the region's security," the statement read, adding that it's against Libya's sovereignty and all UNSC resolutions aiming to end the war in the country.

"It's clearing the way for sending military forces to Libya under the guises of 'guest personnel,' 'guest student' and 'civilian individuals who are members of defense and security institutions,'" it also said.

The deputies also said that the number of military equipment being sent to Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) will increase with the deal.

On Nov. 7, Ankara and Tripoli-based Libyan government reached two separate memorandums of understanding (MoU), one on military cooperation and the other one on maritime boundaries of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Seeking to "provide a foundation for relations and develop cooperation" between Turkey and the GNA, the pact includes increased cooperation in the exchange of personnel, materials, equipment, consultancy, and experience between the two sides.

It also offers Turkish support for the establishment of a quick reaction force for the police and military in Libya, as well as enhanced cooperation on intelligence and the defense industry, among others.

The agreement will become law after being ratified by the full parliament.

Following the military cooperation deal, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara might consider sending troops to Libya if the GNA made such a request.

"This isn’t covered by the UN arms embargo. They can invite us," he said.

In their dissenting opinion, the deputies said that Libya's stability can't be restored if Turkey continues to take sides in the war, adding that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is trying to save GNA from toppling in the face of Khalifa Haftar.

The CHP also criticized the financial burden the pact will impose on Turkey, while also issuing a warning on the exchange of classified information, documents, defense and security materials under the security agreement.