The European Union has expressed concerns over a decision by Turkey’s parliament to authorize the deployment of troops into Libya.
Turkey’s Grand National Assembly voted 352-184 to approve the deployment of troops in Libya to support Fayez Sarraj’s Tripoli-based government fend off forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Hafter who has pledged to take over the capital.
The approval now gives the Turkish government the greenlight to send troops to Libya for one year.
The lead spokesperson for the external affairs of the EU, Peter Stano, said in a statement on Friday that military action was not a solution for the Libyan crisis.
“Actions supporting those who are fighting in the conflict will only further destabilise the country and the wider region. 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 read.
Libya: EU strongly concerned about Turkey’s decision to intervene in the conflict. Supporting those who are fighting there will only further destabilise the country & wider region. UN arms embargo must be respected by all https://t.co/vwKbGazgVZ
— Peter Stano (@ExtSpoxEU) January 3, 2020
Libya has been dogged by war since December 2011, and the situation heightened earlier this year when self-styled Libyan National Army chief Gen. Hafter pledged to take over Tripoli from the U.N.-backed government led by Prime Minister Sarraj.
Hafter announced in early December a final push to take Tripoli from Sarraj’s government, unleashing heavy clashes on the southern edges of the city.
Since 2011, the Libyan war has killed thousands and displaced millions as militant groups and human trafficking cells sought to impose their command in various regions across the country.
Earlier this week, France and Egypt called for the “greatest restraint” by Libyan and international authorities to avoid an escalation of the conflict that has rocked the country for months.
Mediation teams hope the warring factions can strike a deal to restore lasting peace in the country.
