After the killing of Muammar Gaddafi in international cooperation on October 20, 2011, the war in Libya, which was divided Libya into two, gradually gained an international dimension. While Turkey and Qatar backed 'Government of National Accord' rules in the west of the country , 'Libya National Army' lead by General Khalifa Hafter which is backed by Russia, Egypt and United Arab Emirates controlls the east of the country.

 

AKP leader Tayyip Erdoğan announced on December 9th that they could send troops if requested by the Tripoli-based 'Government of National Accord'requests. In this direction, "Security and Military Cooperation Agreement of Understanding" was signed between Government of National Accord and Turkey on November 27. The agreement was unanimously accepted by the 'Libyan Council of Ministers' on December 19. The agreement discussed in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) was adopted by AKP and MHP votes despite CHP, İYİ Party and HDP voted 'no'.

 

 

Reactions came from UN, USA, Russia and many Arab countries for the agreement paving the way for Turkey to send troops to Libya. International relations expert Prof. Dr. İlhan Uzgel, evaluating the developments in Libya said Turkey is trying to do politics in the region with drill ships.

 

 

‘POLITICS IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN COLLAPSED’  

 

Uzgel, stating that Turkey's policies in East Mediterranean have collapsed, said Turkey is trying to maintain their presence in Libya, which is the weakest link because they have no movement area left. Reminding that Turkey is excluded from both energy sharing in the East Mediterranean and the alliences, Uzgel said: "Turkey wants to maintain their presence in the region therefore they wanted to make a move. But there were no actors to work together or make a move at. Therefore they found Tripoli which they feel closer to. They met them and agreed on military aid."

 

'EU AGAINST TURKEY' 

 

Uzgel stating that the European Union is against Turkey in the region, said: "EU works with Greece, Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Syprus and Israel. Two important powers of the Mediterranean, France and Italy are also there. Franse have significant investments in both Mediterranean and Libya. Naturally, they are placed in a position opposite to Turkey both in the Mediterranean and Libya.

 

'ROLES CHANGED'

 

Evaluating the implications of the problems in Libya to Turkey- Russia relations, Uzgel underlined that Turkey and Russia are faced off against eachoter.  Uzgel stating that Russia is sending merceneries to the region, said: "But the two countries obviously don't mind that. As you know, Russia and Turkey faced off against each other in Syria too. They tolerated it somehow. Russia tried to keep Turkey on the ground in a way. Now they changed their roles in Libya."

 

 

MA / Ferhat Çelik