Turkey: Opposition CHP stance on Libya under fire

ANKARA

Turkey’s main opposition party on Tuesday came under fire for its stance on Libya.

The Republic People’s Party (CHP) should not "be afraid of protecting Turkey's rights and interests," Devlet Bahceli, head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), told his party's parliamentary group.

"Love of country and flag does not mislead you, but makes you a domestic and national person," he added.

Turkey’s policies on Libya are an issue of intelligence, mentality, and morality, said Bahceli.

"Within this perspective, the CHP lost its reliability, reputation, and cogency," he claimed.

On Jan. 2, the Turkish parliament ratified a motion authorizing the government to send troops to Libya.

The ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, and MHP backed the motion, while the CHP, opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and opposition Good (IYI) Party voted against the motion.

Following the motion, Turkey has been urging both sides in Libya to reach a cease-fire deal.

Since the ouster of late ruler 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 the other in Tripoli, which enjoys the UN and international recognition.