Turkey is not taking part the international military operation against Libya, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said yesterday. Asked by reporters whether Turkey would take part in the air strikes against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s forces, Arinc said, "Turkey has not joined the operation. A crisis desk has been set up at the Foreign Ministry to follow developments." Arinc also expressed hope that the situation in Libya will return to normal as soon as possible.
TURKEY TO SERVE AS THE US’ "PROTECTING POWER" IN LIBYA
Turkey will serve as a "protecting power" for the United States in Libya, senior State Department officials told CNN yesterday. As a protecting power, Turkey will represent the US in Libya, including acting as consular officers on behalf of US citizens in Libya and looking after American diplomatic facilities in the country. Turkey can also pass messages between Washington and Tripoli, as what little communication remains between the two countries is likely to come to a grinding halt now that the US is bombing Libyan targets as part of enforcement of a no-fly zone. Officials said Libya has not yet identified a protecting power for its interests in the US.