Political will necessary to solve Libya crisis: envoy

By Zuhal Demirci

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's special envoy to Libya Emrullah Isler demanded international political will to solve the crisis in war-torn Libya.

"We want peace and stability in Libya," said Isler, calling on all parties involved to ''play a positive role and avoid double standards.''

On the 8th anniversary of the Feb. 17 revolution that ended Muammar Gaddafi's 42-year rule in Libya, Isler evaluated the search for national reconciliation in Libya and the recent situation in the country.

Isler, also an MP for the ruling Justice and Development Party, told Anadolu Agency that it is very easy to reach a solution in Libya with political will.

He added Libya's post-Arab spring civil war is similar to the one in Syria and Yemen, and ending the war in Syria will have a domino effect in the region.

The envoy slammed anti-Turkey propaganda spread by Khalifa Haftar -- a former general under Gaddafi -- in Egyptian, Saudi and UAE media.

''Countries investing in deadlock in Libya by providing all kinds of weapons, blame Turkey in an attempt to camouflage themselves and hide their vulnerabilities,'' said Isler.

'If Turkey were to support one side like you did, we would have changed the balance in the field. You are lying,'' Isler added.

Speaking about UN efforts for a roadmap on Libya, Isler said that Turkey hopes for its gradual implementation.

Isler said that Haftar, who is supported by the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) but not involved in the political agreement, is trying to strengthen his influence by launching an operation in south of the country.

He said major players in the region are not concerned about the divisions in Libya and the status quo.

Isler also said that after his appointment as special envoy, he first visited the eastern part of the country, met with political actors other than Haftar and conveyed them the clear message that Turkey is against foreign interventions in the country and political dialogue is the only way forward.

Libya has been beset by turmoil since 2011, when a bloody NATO-backed uprising led to the ouster and death of Gaddafi after more than four decades in power.

Since then, Libya’s stark political divisions have yielded two rival seats of power -- one in Tobruk and another in Tripoli -- and a host of heavily armed militia groups.