Middle East Monitor – German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Libya would be an “important signal” as both leaders vowed to support the new interim government, a German government spokesman said.
“The Chancellor emphasised that an early start of the withdrawal of foreign soldiers and mercenaries would send an important signal,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu reiterated Ankara’s expectations from the EU, saying that the bloc needs to start taking concrete steps towards achieving better ties.
“There has been a positive atmosphere with the EU and Germany has contributed to this, but it is about time to take concrete steps now,” Cavusoglu told reporters.
Turkish troops in Libya, he explained, are there as part of an agreement with Libya’s previously internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) and should not be confused with the foreign mercenaries stationed there.
