EU expresses "concern" for Turkish troops deployment to Libya

On Thursday the Turkish parliament adopted a motion that paved the way to the deployment of troops to Libya.

The Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union issued a written statement on Turkey's parliament decision to authorise military deployments in Libya.

The statement said: "The European Union expresses its strong concern about Turkey’s Grand National Assembly’s decision on Thursday, 2 January, to authorise military deployments in Libya."

The statement added: "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 destabilise the country and the wider region."

It is "imperative", continued the statement, "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 EU added that it "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."

On Thursday the Turkish parliament adopted a motion that paved the way to the deployment of troops to Libya.

The Turkish regime openly supports the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).

US President Donald Trump also warned ohis Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday about Libya. Trump rejected "foreign interventions that would complicate the situation in Libya."

The leaders of Greece, Israel and Cyprus denounced the move as a "dangerous threat to regional stability" and a "dangerous escalation'' of the Libyan conflict that violates U.N. resolutions and undermines international peace efforts.

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