The Turkish parliament on Tuesday approved a motion calling for an extension in troop deployment in Libya for another 18 months.
The forces of Libyan National Army leader Khalifa Haftar continue to control regions in central and eastern Libya, through foreign support, the motion, which was referred to the parliament by the Turkish presidency on December 12, said.
It warned that such a status quo results in “threats from Libya to Turkey and the entire region.”
“If attacks resume again, Turkey's interests in the Mediterranean basin and North Africa will be adversely affected," the motion said.
It added that a permanent peace, ceasefire which was agreed upon in October, and political dialogue in Libya is of great importance to Turkey.
Turkey, within the Memorandum of Security and Military Cooperation signed with Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) on November 27, 2019, will continue to contribute to the training and consultancy support to Libya, it said.
Turkey sent its troops to Libya to back the GNA on a year-long mandate in January.
According to the motion approved by the parliament Tuesday, the aim of Turkey’s troop deployment in Libya is “to protect national interests in line with international law, and taking the necessary precautions against security dangers emanating from illegitimate armed groups” in the country.
It also aims to provide humanitarian assistance to the Libyan people and guarantee the necessary support for the GNA, the motion added.
