Turkey recognizes Libyan opposition council

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (center) with his son (bottom left) shakes hands with officials from Libya's NTC, July 3, 2011

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/187434.html

Turkey has recognized Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC) as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, vowing to provide the revolutionaries with more financial aid.

"We see the NTC as a legitimate representative of the Libyan people to achieve their goals," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Davutoglu made the announcement on Sunday while on a one-day visit to Libya's opposition-held eastern city of Benghazi.

Davutoglu met with Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the chairman of the NTC. The Turkish top diplomat expressed support for the revolutionary forces.

"For us, the destiny of Libya is the same as the destiny of Turkey," said Davutoglu. "I expressed our solidarity and commitment."

The Turkish foreign minister said he hoped the Libya crisis could be resolved politically this month before the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan starts at the beginning of Augest.

“There should be a political solution based on demands and aspirations of the Libyan people," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu promised to give $200 million in financial aid on top of the $100 million already granted to Libyan opposition.

Turkey has called on Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi to relinquish power and make preparations for “democracy and transparency.”

"Public demand for reforms should be answered, Gaddafi should go and Libya shouldn't be divided," Davutoglu said.