Solution possible in Libya ‘if truce holds’

The way for the political process for settlement in Libya would be paved if the parties stick to the truce reached in the North African country, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Jan. 19.

"If the ceasefire, for which we made a call with Mr. Putin, is complied with, the political process will also be opened," Erdoğan told journalists on his way back from Germany where he attended the Berlin summit at the weekend as part of efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Libya.

A military committee, formed by five members each from the warring sides in Libya, will convene in the upcoming days he said, stressing the key factor would be General Khalifa Haftar would end "his aggressive attitude." Nobody objected to this argument at the Berlin summit, he added.

"The fact is that the steps we have taken regarding Libya have brought a balance to the process and a ceasefire ground has been formed. We will continue to support the political process by keeping our position strong both on the field and at the table. Turkey's presence in Libya has increased the hope for peace," he said.

Turkey's presence in Libya raises hopes for peace, Erdoğan stated. "The fact is that the steps we have taken regarding Libya have brought a balance to the process and a ceasefire ground has been established. We will continue to support the political process by keeping our position strong both on the field and at the table. Turkey's presence in Libya has increased the hope for peace," the president said.

"We also see what kind of games are played under the guise of fighting terrorism in Libya. Against this, we will continue to stand by the legitimate government," he emphasized.

Erdoğan also said that Haftar not signing the ceasefire...