Ankara, Libyan opposition sketch out roadmap for relations

Turkey and the Libyan opposition began to draw up a roadmap for future relations during the visit of National Transitional Council head Mustafa Abdul Jalil to Ankara on Monday. The Libyan opposition is seeking stronger trade ties and cooperation with Turkey to help Libya's reconstruction, once stability is established. "With this visit, bilateral relations between Turkey and (the provisional administration in) Benghazi have been initiated," said Abdulmenem Bendarf, the council's chief for humanitarian aid and relief, who accompanied Jalil. "We are still asking Ankara to do more to recognize the council. But Turkey's invitation to Abdul Jalil was very important for us. We look forward to hearing good news from Turkey on recognition soon. Meanwhile, we will closely cooperate with Ankara on humanitarian aid and trade issues." Turkey has yet to declare official recognition of the provisional administration in Benghazi, but it has already launched bilateral relations with the National Transitional Council. A delegation from the council will visit Turkey in the near future to discuss "trade and financial support," Bendarf said.