Merve Berker
January 22, 2021•Update: January 22, 2021
ANKARA
Turkey on Friday welcomed a recent compromise between the warring sides in Libya on a mechanism to appoint a temporary executive authority in the country.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry in a statement hailed the compromise on Tuesday in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) that also determined the timetable on appointing the temporary government until planned elections are held amid a cease-fire between the internationally recognized government and warlord Khalifa Haftar.
"Turkey, which attaches importance to Libya’s sovereignty, integrity and political unity, wishes the selection of a new unified executive authority soon," said the statement. It underlined the need for a temporary government in preparing for the general ballot slated for Dec. 24, 2021, as well as in meeting the humanitarian needs of the "friendly and brotherly Libyan people" after years of fighting and a blockade on the country's oil exports.
Noting Ankara's opposition to a military solution in Libya since the conflict broke out in April 2019, the ministry highlighted the country's "leading role" in holding the Berlin peace conference, implanting its outcomes, and enforcing the truce between the sides by "balancing the situation on the ground."
"Turkey will extend all support to the new executive authority that will be established on the basis of an inclusive national reconciliation among Libyans," it said.
In order to realize Libyan people's aspiration for democracy, it is crucial that the UN-facilitated political solution efforts not be hindered once again, the statement added, noting that Turkey was following "with great concern" military build-up and cease-fire violations of the "illegitimate entities in Libya," in a reference to Haftar's militias.
"Turkey will resolutely continue its constructive approach towards Libya, in line with the will of the Libyan people, the letter and the spirit of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Libya and Berlin Conference conclusions, and through its cooperation with the legitimate government in Libya."
It urged all international actors to do the same, in order to "ensure lasting peace, stability and welfare" in Libya.
Libya and Political Dialogue Forum
On Jan. 3, the UN interim envoy to Libya, Stephanie Williams, announced the formation of an 18-member Consultative Council of the Libyan Dialogue Forum to draft a formal mechanism to select Libya's temporary executive.
The UN recognizes the government headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, also supported by Turkey, as the country's legitimate authority as Tripoli has battled Haftar's militias since April 2019 in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
Diplomatic efforts have been underway in recent months to reach a solution to the Libyan conflict following victories made by the Libyan Army against Haftar's militias.
Despite the progress on the political and military levels between the rival Libyan parties, the government documented several violations by Haftar's militias to a cease-fire reached on Oct. 23 under UN mediation.
