ID :
164824
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 21:15
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/164824
The shortlink copeid
Turkish premier rules out NATO intervention in Libya
HANNOVER (A.A) - 28.02.2011 - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that a NATO intervention in Libya was unacceptable for Turkey and he described such a possibility as "nonsense."
Last week, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance would not intervene in Libya where clashes between anti-Gaddafi protesters and security forces have left hundreds dead.
"We think discussions about an intervention in Libya or sanctions are worrisome considering the people of Libya and foreigners in this country," Erdogan told the Turkish-German Economy Congress in German city of Hannover.
"Mistakes made by governments should not be paid by people," he said.
Erdogan said he rules out a possibility of an intervention or sanctions as such a move would punish Libyan people and cause great and unacceptable troubles.
Recalling that Libya was not a NATO country, Erdogan said, "reporters have been asking to me whether or not NATO should intervene in Libya. It is such a nonsense. What would NATO do in Libya?"
"We oppose it, such a thing cannot even be discussed," he added.
On Friday, diplomats said governments of EU countries reached consensus on imposing an arms embargo, asset freezes and a travel ban on Libya. However, a formal decision will only be taken this week.
Erdogan also said that peoples were the ones to seal the fate of their countries. He went on saying, "nobody should look after their interests from oil wells in those countries. It is the problem. If we are to talk about democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, if we are to make recommendations on these, let's do it. But we should not look out for oil. Because its price could be very heavy."
Erdogan also urged European Union to question its stance over the incidents and to criticize itself, saying, "I have to express that we could not hear a strong an united voice from Europe at this point, while Turkey has displayed a consistent and bold stance in the name of democracy and human rights."
Last week, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance would not intervene in Libya where clashes between anti-Gaddafi protesters and security forces have left hundreds dead.
"We think discussions about an intervention in Libya or sanctions are worrisome considering the people of Libya and foreigners in this country," Erdogan told the Turkish-German Economy Congress in German city of Hannover.
"Mistakes made by governments should not be paid by people," he said.
Erdogan said he rules out a possibility of an intervention or sanctions as such a move would punish Libyan people and cause great and unacceptable troubles.
Recalling that Libya was not a NATO country, Erdogan said, "reporters have been asking to me whether or not NATO should intervene in Libya. It is such a nonsense. What would NATO do in Libya?"
"We oppose it, such a thing cannot even be discussed," he added.
On Friday, diplomats said governments of EU countries reached consensus on imposing an arms embargo, asset freezes and a travel ban on Libya. However, a formal decision will only be taken this week.
Erdogan also said that peoples were the ones to seal the fate of their countries. He went on saying, "nobody should look after their interests from oil wells in those countries. It is the problem. If we are to talk about democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms, if we are to make recommendations on these, let's do it. But we should not look out for oil. Because its price could be very heavy."
Erdogan also urged European Union to question its stance over the incidents and to criticize itself, saying, "I have to express that we could not hear a strong an united voice from Europe at this point, while Turkey has displayed a consistent and bold stance in the name of democracy and human rights."
