Dec 28, 2019

Libya: Turkey sending troops is "unacceptable"

Rashaan Ayesh

Debris and damaged cars in Tripoli after a shell landed on Dec. 24. Photo: Mahmud Tukria/AFP/Getty Images

The speaker of Libya's parliament said Turkey's plan to send troops to Libya is "unacceptable" and will be considered as unwarranted meddling, AP reports.

Why it matters: Aguila Saleh's comment came in a joint statement with Cyprus' parliamentary speaker, Demetris Syllouris, claiming Turkey's actions are destabilizing the region and increasing tensions, per AP.

Context: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced plans to submit a bill to the Turkish Parliament on Jan. 7 to deploy troops to Libya, Al Jazeera reports.

Erdoğan told members of his party, "Since there is an invitation [from Libya] right now, we will accept it. We will present the motion to send troops [to Libya] as soon as Parliament resumes."

Yes, but: Saleh said Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj isn't allowed to sign any agreements with other nations without the unanimous approval of a nine-member presidential council and parliament's approval, AP notes.

The state of play: Libya's official government is struggling to maintain control of the country after warlord Khalifa Hifter launched an offensive in eastern Libya in April.

Go deeper:

Add Axios on Google

Libya: Turkey sending troops is "unacceptable"

What to read next