EU 'concerned' about Turkish parliament's decision on Libya

The European Union has expressed its “strong concern” about the Turkish parliament's decision to authorize military deployments to Libya. It has also called on Turkey to abide by the U.N. arms embargo on Libya.

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The European Union has expressed its “strong concern” about the Turkish parliament's decision to authorize military deployments to Libya.

“The EU reiterates its firm conviction that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis. Actions supporting those who are fighting in the conflict will only further destabilize the country and the wider region,” a statement issued by Peter Stano, EU spokesperson for external affairs, said on Jan. 3.

“It is imperative for all international partners to respect fully the UN arms embargo and to support the efforts of the United Nations Special Representative Ghassan Salamé and the Berlin process, as the only avenue towards a peaceful, stable and secure Libya,” the statement said.

“The EU will maintain an active engagement in support of all de-escalatory measures and steps leading to an effective ceasefire and the resumption of political negotiations.”

Turkish parliament on Jan. 2. approved a motion on sending troops to Libya, with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) backing the bill.

The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Felicity (Saadet) Party and the right-wing İYİ (Good) Party voted against the bill.

A total of 325 lawmakers voted in favor of the motion, while 184 of them voted against.