H.E. Mr. Mehmet Hakan Olcay:

We are heavily engaged in Libya and trying to help it to find a peaceful resolution of the divisions in the country.

After long years of war, the fighting is still continuing within Libya between two factions. We have been on the side of the legal government, which is recognised by the United Nations and we have had some agreements with them. Some of that is for military co-operation - training, for the most part. If the elections take place as scheduled in December, they will give a clearer pathway to a solution in Libya.

Withdrawal from the north-east or the north-west of Syria for the time being is not possible because without the maintenance of the Turkish presence there, we will not be able to protect the civilian population which is finding a safe haven or refuge in north-east Syria along the Turkish border. Our withdrawal would increase pressure for a new exodus because there are more than 1.5 million people living in the border area. If the protection shield is lifted from there, we will have a new impetus for a new wave of migration from Syria to Turkey, which is not desirable.

As far as LGBT rights are concerned, I am sure the Deputy is referring to the events that took place in Istanbul during Pride week. We do not distinguish between the preferences of people and there is no sentiment against that. Of course, Turkish culture may not see LGBT as “normal” – I am just quoting - but with regard to the standpoint of the state, there is no discrimination against that.