‘Turkey’s Libyan motion to thwart regional plots’

ANKARA

A motion ratified by the Turkish parliament authorizing the government to deploy troops in Libya will thwart regional plots, protect country’s rights and interests, said Turkey’s vice president on Thursday.

“Turkey will continue to thwart the plots in the region and protect its rights and interests. Turkey, which defends Libya’s territorial integrity, aims to support Libya’s legitimate UN-backed government’s call and serve for the regional peace,” Fuat Oktay said on Twitter.

“I hope those who maintain their aggression in Libya will get the relevant message with the ratification of the motion,” Oktay said, adding that every step of the Turkish government in the Eastern Mediterranean is part of a detailed strategy and plan.

The Turkish parliament on Thursday ratified a motion authorizing the government on sending troops to Libya.

On Nov. 27, Ankara and Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) signed a pact on military cooperation, as well as a pact on maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Since the ouster of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, two seats of power have emerged in Libya: one in eastern Libya supported mainly by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and another in Tripoli, which enjoys UN and international recognition.

* Contribution and writing by Burak Dag