Istanbul – Both sides of the conflict currently raging in Libya have welcomed a peace proposal put forward by Turkey that calls for an immediate ceasefire, the creation of humanitarian zones and a swift transition to a constitutional democracy.
Outlining the plan late Thursday in Ankara, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the main purpose was ‘to ensure a transition to constitutional democracy in line with the legitimate demands of the people and the preservation of Libya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.’
Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire and for Gaddafi’s forces to stop all attacks on civilians and lift the siege they have imposed on certain cities.
‘Secure humanitarian zones should be established to provide unimpeded humanitarian aid to all our Libyan brothers,’ he said.
The aim of the political transformation should be the establishment of a constitutional democracy with free elections, the premier said.
Erdogan said Turkey’s special envoy to Libya held talks with the head of the rebels’ transitional council, Mustafa Abdul Jalal, and that Turkey would discuss its plan at a contact group meeting on Libya set to take place April 13 in Qatar.
Abdul Jalal told broadcaster Al Jazeera that the transitional council would be ready to accept Turkey’s proposal if Gaddafi and his family left the country.
There was also a positive response from Tripoli towards a plan that focused on the humanitarian aspects of the Libyan crisis, a government representative told Al Jazeera.
The rebels had previously criticized Turkey for warning against delivering weapons to them. On Tuesday, a Turkish ship carrying aid was turned away from the port of rebel stronghold of Benghazi.
via Libyans welcome Turkish government’s peace proposal – Monsters and Critics.
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