Turkish gov’t to submit parliamentary motion to send troops to Libya early January

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Dec. 26 announced that the government will submit a parliamentary motion to send troops to Libya in early January, when parliament re-opens.

"We will go to places we have been invited to. Since there is an invitation [from Libya] we will accept it", Erdoğan said.

The president spoke at a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) provincial heads.

Erdoğan also said that Turkey agreed with Tunisia to provide support to the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

Erdoğan on Dec. 25 visited his Tunisian counterpart Kais Saied during a surprise visit to Tunisia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Saied, Erdoğan said the turmoil in Libya is affecting not just itself but also neighboring countries like Tunisia.

"I believe Tunisia will make valuable and constructive contributions to efforts to achieve stability in Libya," Erdoğan said.

He also said during his visit, he and Saied would discuss steps to start a political process after a cease-fire in Libya and how Tunisia might help.

Turkey sending troops to Libya has been on the country's agenda since the nations signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on security and military cooperation with Libya.

Following the military cooperation deal, Erdoğan had said Ankara may consider sending troops to Libya if the U.N.-recognized Tripoli government made such a request.

After the cabinet meeting of Dec. 24, presidential spokesperson İbrahim Kalın also said parliament is working on the preparation of such a bill yet did not disclose any details.

"It would not be right for me to say...