Turkey urges end to civilian deaths in Libya

Attacks leading to civilian casualties in Libya, particularly those targeting the rebel-held city of Misrata, should immediately be brought to an end, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said yesterday in Ankara. Speaking at a joint press conference following talks with visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Davutoglu said ensuring the humanitarian situation, preventing attacks against civilians, and finding a permanent solution are Turkey's priorities for Libya. He added that Turkey has already stated that NATO operations should continue in a determined way. "The attacks, particularly [those] directed at Misrata, should cease at once," Davutoglu said. "NATO should also make all necessary efforts to achieve an end to civilian casualties." He stressed that the international community, particularly NATO, and the international will are opposed to harming civilians in Libya, saying: "The attacks against Misrata leading to civilian casualties should be stopped. NATO has been making its best efforts and should continue to do so."