FM doesn't rule out clashes with eastern Libyan troops

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that the government doesn't rule out the risk of Turkish troops engaging in close combat with eastern Libyan troops loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar. "The risk exists in the worst case scenario," Çavuşoğlu said in his meeting with CHP officials, who in return said that all scenarios must be taken into account before sending Turkish soldiers there.

Nergis Demirkaya/Duvar

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said that clashes between Turkish and eastern Libyan forces may take place, as he commented on the worst case scenario.

During his visit to the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the İYİ (Good) Party that he made to discuss a motion sent to parliament that would pave the way for Turkish troop deployment in Libya as part of a deal, Çavuşoğlu was asked whether Turkish soldiers will engage in close combat.

"The risk exists in the worst case scenario," Çavuşoğlu said in his meeting with CHP officials, CHP sources told Duvar.

Last week, both Ankara and Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) ratified the memorandum on military cooperation, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Fayez Sarraj on Nov. 27. Among everything, the document provides for military support between the parties.

Ankara plans to deploy troops to Libya to support the GNA against eastern Libyan forces led by strongman Khalifa Haftar, should Sarraj’s government ask.

The motion was submitted to Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop by the presidency on Dec. 30 and parliament will convene extraordinarily on Jan. 2, 2020 to vote on the bill, which seeks a one-year mandate to deploy troops to Libya.

Different from previous motions on Syria and Iraq, the bill emphasizes the need to protect Turkey's interests instead of national security.

Another difference in the Libya motion is the description of the aim of troop deployment. While previous motions explained the aims as "eliminating attacks directed to our country from all terror groups," the Libya motion said, "Eliminating attacks on Turkey's interests in Libya."

During their meeting with Çavuşoğlu, CHP officials said that even though close combat is described as the worst case scenario, it should still be considered.

"Troop deployment is being sought via accepting this risk. We don't find it appropriate," CHP officials told the minister, adding that all scenarios should be taken into account before sending troops to Libya.

During the meeting, Russia and Egypt's support for eastern Libyan forces was also discussed.

"We don't take it very seriously," Çavuşoğlu said, prompting opposition from the CHP.

"We take the issue of foreign fighters seriously and don't want Turkish soldiers to be among this crowded and international environment," CHP officials said.

Çavuşoğlu was also asked the reason for why the government is so hasty to approve the motion.

"The situation on the ground is turning against the Tripoli government. We see this as a move that would secure a ceasefire," the minister said.

His remarks were met with opposition once again, with CHP officials stressing the need for diplomacy for a ceasefire.

Çavuşoğlu then held a meeting with İYİ Party leader Meral Akşener. The party is discussing its decision on the motion, but the current inclination is towards voting "no," sources said.