Libyan politicians said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s move to request extending troop deployment in Libya was predictable given that Ankara is seeking to secure its share of interests in the North African country’s oil.
“Since the signing of the permanent ceasefire agreement between the Libyan factions last October, which stipulated the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of signing, and Turkey is trying to sabotage this agreement and blow up the entire political solution,” said the member of the Tobruk parliament Mohammed Amer al-Abbani
Abbani accused Ankara of seeking to plunder Libyan oil.
He also mocked the presidential warning that the forming of Libyan National Army Forces under the leadership of Khalifa Haftar will hinder Turkey’s interest in the region.
Turkey's presidency on Dec 12 submitted a motion to parliament to extend troop deployment in Libya for 18 months.
"The risks and threats are coming from Libya to Turkey and the whole region. In the case of restart of the so-called Libyan National Army attacks and the clashes, Turkey's interests both in the Mediterranean basin and North Africa will be adversely affected," the motion said.
“He (Erdogan) continues to tell lies and false justifications to the local public opinion, despite him being exposed on an international level for moving heavy and advanced weapons, as well as mercenaries, to western Libya,” Abbani added, noting that the Turkish parliament will likely pass the motion the way it had done before.
In 2019, Ankara and Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) signed a pact on military cooperation, as well as a pact on maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The deal involves technical information, support, development, maintenance, repair, planning and material support, and training and consultancy services regarding the use of weapons system and equipment.
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