Expressing European Union's concern about Turkey’s Grand National Assembly’s decision on Thursday, 2 January, to authorize military deployments in Libya, the statement said: "The EU reiterates its firm conviction that there is no military solution to the Libyan crisis. Actions supporting those who are fighting in the conflict will only further destabilize the country and the wider region."

"It is imperative for all international partners to respect fully the UN arms embargo and to support the efforts of the United Nations Special Representative Ghassan Salamé and the Berlin process, as the only avenue towards a peaceful, stable and secure Libya," it added.

The statement concluded that the EU would maintain an active engagement in support of all de-escalatory measures and steps leading to an effective ceasefire and the resumption of political negotiations.

ILKHA