Turkey warns NATO action in Libya could be counterproductive

A possible NATO operation in Libya could be counterproductive, as it could undermine the Libyan people's support for a revolt against their longtime leader, Muammar Gaddafi, warned Deputy Foreign Undersecretary Selim Yenel on Wednesday. "We need to be extra cautious on this," Yenel told a panel in Washington, according to the Anatolia news agency. "The people of Egypt and Tunisia can take pride in the fact that the change in their countries was thanks to them. Any outside intervention in Libya, on the other hand, could prevent the Libyan people from taking the same pride." Yenel's remarks came after Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu made clear that Turkey is opposed to foreign military action in Libya, where Gaddafi's brutal response to the revolt against his rule has led to fears of bloodshed and a humanitarian crisis. Yenel said there are many opposition groups in Libya which are united in opposing Gaddafi but called for caution as it is unclear how things could develop after Gaddafi's departure. He also said Turkey and the US are in close coordination over developments in Libya. In a statement yesterday, the Foreign Ministry said a UN decision this week to impose sanctions is binding on all countries, adding that Turkey hopes this move will help resolve Libya's troubling situation. "We believe that all measures should be taken to ensure that the people of Libya do not suffer during the implementation of these sanctions," the statement said. The international community should also show "the same constructive, consistent and principled stance" that it took during the recent revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, it said, adding. "Encouraging a political solution that meets the legitimate expectations of the Libyan people is essential."