Turkey calls for a speedy settlement in Libya after deadly attack

ANKARA

DHA Photo

Turkey has called for a speedy political settlement to the Libyan problem a day after a Turkish cargo ship, “Tuna-1,” was shelled off the Libyan coast and attacked from the air, killing one and wounding several others. 

“We support the solution process in Libya. Ongoing negotiations in line with U.N. resolutions should yield a result as soon as possible. Unity must be provided in Libya in order to eliminate barbaric attacks like the one that occurred yesterday,” Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu told reporters May 12 at a joint press conference with visiting Greek Foreign Minister Nicos Covias. 

The internationally recognized interim government based in Tobruk, Libya, announced May 11 that the Turkish vessel was bombed “after it was warned not to approach the Libyan city of Derna.” Turkey strongly condemned the attack and protested the Libyan authorities, asking them to end action against other Turkish ships in the region. It also demanded legal action to be taken against those responsible for the Tuna-1 attack. Abdullah al-Thinni, the prime minister of the Libyan interim government, earlier accused Turkey of interfering in the domestic affairs of Libya and warned that the government could put an end to Turkish companies’ investments in the country.

Citing reactions and condemnations from the international community, Çavuşoğlu drew attention to the ongoing U.N.-led efforts to re-unify the divided country.  

“Libya needs reconciliation. All parties should take supportive steps to this end. But, unfortunately, there are still groups that are trying to get results through violence and attacks. There are countries supporting them. They will bring no benefit to Libya,” he said.