By Libya Herald reporters.
Tripoli, 8 January 2015:
Turkey has lambasted the Libyan government for the army’s threat to attack unauthorised Turkish aircraft . . .[restrict]entering Libyan airspace. It has also urged its citizens to get out of Libya has quickly as possible.
Ankara’s anger at the Libya National Army’s warning that Turkish and Sudanese airplanes, whether civilian or military would be deemed to be hostile and therefore targeted, was patently clear. The Foreign Ministry said yesterday that the threat was “irresponsible”, violated international law and was “absolutely unacceptable”.
It was unclear today if the Turkey had delivered a formal note of protest to the Thinni government in Beida.
As of Tuesday Turkish Airlines suspended its twice daily flights between Misrata and Istanbul. However, it has been reported on social media that the airline’s cargo arm, along with two other Turkish air freight firms, ULS Airlines Cargo and MNG Airlines are continuing their Libyan services. Last year ULS told the Libya Herald that that their flights to Misrata, which they had been operating for six years, were their most profitable.
This is in fact the sixth time in the last seven months that the Turkish government has advised its citizens to evacuate Libya because of degenerating security. The first alert came after Khalifa Hafter’s Operation Dignity warned in June that all Turks and Qataris should leave the east of the country. Dignity rapidly rowed back on this international PR disaster. Nevertheless, Ankara remained jittery throughout the summer, reiterating its warnings that Turks should get out and only travel to Libya if their journey was essential.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has advised its national need ing support to contact a 24-hour Consular call centre (00 90 312-292 2929) or the Consulate General of Misrata (+218-51-266 3211)
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