Sole Muslim nation in NATO says it will make "appropriate" contribution to implementing UN no-fly zone, take measures to protect civilians in Libya.
By REUTERSErdogan 311 (R)(photo credit: REUTERS)
ISTANBUL - NATO-member Turkey will make the necessary and appropriate national contribution to implementing a UN no-fly zone over Libya and measures to protect civilians, its foreign ministry said late on Saturday."Within that framework the necessary preparations and studies are being made by civil and military authorities in co-ordination," the statement added, giving no further detail.RELATED:Western warplanes, missiles batter Libyan targetsLion's Den: Back to the shores of Tripoli?Turkey has been calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and said it opposed foreign military intervention.However after the UN Security Council decision authorizing military action the office of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement that the resolution was binding on all countries.Erdogan said on Monday he had urged Muammar Gaddafi to appoint a president with popular support as a way to end Libya's crisis.Non-Arab but majority Muslim Turkey has become a rising diplomatic and economic voice in the Middle East.
