Ankara welcomes Libya's first free national elections

Turkey has praised Libya's first free national elections in nearly 60 years -- which aim to forge a brighter future for the North African country -- saying they were conducted in a democratic environment with a relatively high turnout. "Turkey welcomes the elections for Libya's National Congress on July 7, which were conducted in a democratic environment with a high turnout. We hope the results of the elections are beneficial for the people of Libya," said the statement made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on Sunday. The statement said international observers confirmed that elections were held in line with election rules, adding that Turkey congratulated the Libyan people, who paid a high price for toppling Gaddafi's 40-year autocratic regime, for the successful elections. The election commission said after voting ended that 1.6 million of some 2.8 million registered voters had cast their ballots, a turnout of just under 60 percent. The elections are a turning point for the Libyan people in their struggle for freedom, democracy and justice. In addition, the elections are considered an important step in the restoration of democracy in the country. According to the statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the Libyan people, who have been deprived for many years of freedom, democracy, justice and prosperity, have shown the world that they deserve to live by these principles. The statement said the Libyan elections would be a good example for other regional countries. In order to support the elections of the National Congress, Turkey sent a national observer delegation of 14 people to Libya. Turkey has supported the Libyan people since the beginning of their struggle for freedom and democracy.