Russia concerned about Turkey sending troops into Libya
Russia on Friday said it was very concerned by
Turkey potentially sending troops to Libya and that a security deal between the
two nations raised many questions, the Interfax news agency cited a source at
Russia’s foreign ministry.
Libya’s internationally recognized government said
on Thursday it had ratified a security and military cooperation deal with
Turkey, in an effort to end a months-long offensive by rival forces.
Turkey will improve its cooperation with Libya and
is ready to provide military support for the Tripoli-based government or back
joint steps in the eastern Mediterranean, broadcaster NTV cited President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Wednesday.
“We will speed up the process between Turkey and
Libya. We told them that we are always ready to help if they need it. From
military and security cooperation, to steps taken regarding our maritime
rights: we are ready,” Erdogan told reporters in Geneva after a forum on
migration.
Erdogan also said he and Russian President Vladimir
Putin have appointed delegations to discuss developments in Libya and that the
officials would meet “soon.”
