Turkey offers to broker Libya ceasefire as rebels advance on Sirte

[CHIMO]

Source: guardian.co.uk

The Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signalled that Turkey is ready to act as a mediator to broker an early ceasefire in Libya, as he warned that a drawn-out conflict risked turning the country into a "second Iraq" or "another Afghanistan" with devastating repercussions both for Libya and the Nato states leading the intervention.

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Erdogan said that talks were still under way with Muammar Gaddafi's government and the Transitional National Council. He also revealed that Turkey is about to take over the running of the rebel-held Benghazi harbour and airport to facilitate humanitarian aid, in agreement with Nato.

Speaking in Istanbul at the weekend, Erdogan said Gaddafi had to "provide some confidence to Nato forces right now" on the ground if there was to be progress towards the ceasefire the Libyan leader wanted and an "end to the blood being spilled in Libya".

His comments came as Nato leaders met in Brussels to finalise arrangements for the alliance - with Turkey's participation - to take over the enforcement of the UN no-fly zone from Tuesday, as well as for the more controversial air strikes against Gaddafi's ground forces.



Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/27/libya-turkey-mediators-prime-minister

[aquart]

1. A cease fire will accomplish what, exactly? Other than nothing?

[King_David]

2. I think Turkey wants to stop Nato leadership of this campain?

[CHIMO]

5. Who

Would take leadership?
Turkey is part of NATO.

[CHIMO]

3. Deaths

For one thing.
It would also allow NATO to step down.

[daleo]

4. Maybe partition the country

And get the oil flowing.

[think]

6. I think it's a great idea.

Turkey is Ghadafi's last hope to get out. He might bullshit the US but he's toast if he tries that with Turkey. Diplomacy should never be underestimated but as always with Ghadafi never take your eyes off him....

[Prometheus Bound]

7. The French calling it a "crusade" was a big mistake.

[Adsos Letter]

8. I wonder if there is any connection between this and the reports that Sirte has fallen

to the rebels?