A big leg up
July 4, 2011
Turkey has stepped up its support for Libya's rebel council, pledging an additional $200 million (138 million euros) in aid and promising to do "everything" possible to end the Libyan conflict.
"We think the [rebel] Transitional National Council is the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Sunday during a visit to the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
Davutoglu pledged Libya's cash-strapped rebels $100 million in credit and $100 million for construction - in addition to the $100 million fund Turkey announced in June.
"Public demand for reforms should be answered," he said, adding, "[leader Moammar] Gadhafi should go, and Libya should be divided."
Davutoglu also indicated at a news conference that Turkey could play a major role in brokering peace in the war-torn North African country.
When asked if Turkey would be prepared to host Gadhafi, he said "if there is an agreement being achieved we will do everything, everything possible."
"There should be a permanent solution to the crisis, which is possible only through a political solution based on the demands of the Libyan people," Davutoglu said.
Stepping up support
Turkey, the only majority-Muslim country in the NATO alliance, has circulated a "roadmap" for peace to both sides, calling for a ceasefire and political transition.
Ankara's de facto recognition of the Libyan rebel council reflects a shift in Turkish diplomacy to Libya. Turkey, which has large investments in Libyan industry and several thousand workers living there, had been slow to take a clear stand on the conflict.
Turkey has refused to take part in air raids against Gadhafi, but has provided six warships to help enforce a NATO-imposed arms embargo in Libyan waters.
In May, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Gadhafi to cede power. Last month Erdogan offered the disputed Libyan leader a "guarantee" to take him anywhere he wanted if he agreed to leave power.
Author: David Levitz (AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Nancy Isenson