EU's draft for sanctions on Turkey is 'null and void': VP Oktay

The European Union's approved framework for sanctions after Turkey's maritime pact with Libya is "null and void" for the country, the Turkish vice president said late on Dec. 20. 

"The EU's approved framework for sanctions on Turkey by using our drilling activities as an excuse in the eastern Mediterranean is null and void for us," Fuat Oktay told lawmakers on the last day of 2020 budget discussions.

Oktay noted that the recently signed pact between Turkey and Libya is "an important acquisition".

He said that the agreement will contribute to the interests of the two countries and peace in the region.

Meanwhile on Dec. 21, Oktay said Turkey is ready to take necessary steps if the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) makes a request for the deployment of Turkish troops.

"If our Libyan brothers make such a request, Turkey is ready to do what is necessary," Oktay said, speaking at a trade and cooperation meeting held in Istanbul.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had previously said that Ankara says it may send troops to Libya.

"Of course, such an invitation [from the GNA] would give us this right [to send troops]," he had said.

In late November, Turkey and Libya's Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) signed the bilateral memorandum.

The memorandum asserts Turkey's rights in the Eastern Mediterranean in the face of unilateral drilling by the Greek Cypriot administration, clarifying that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) also has rights to the resources in the area.

The two countries' parliaments ratified the memorandum.