CHP calls on Turkish government to help Libyan refugees

Sunday, May 29, 2011

The deputy leader of the main opposition has called on the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, to fulfill its responsibilities to assist refugees leaving Libya by sea.

“The NATO operation in which Turkey is also involved necessitates the control of Libya’s sea borders and the protection of civilians. Just like other NATO member countries’ governments involved in the operation, the AKP government has a responsibility in the planning and management of the operation,” Osman Korutürk, deputy leader of the Republican People’s Party, or CHP, said in a written statement over the weekend.

He invited the government to act responsibly and urge NATO to develop a “research and rescue” mechanism for desperate people fleeing Libya in leaky boats.

Over 12,000 refugees have fled to Italy and Malta since the beginning of the NATO-led military operation in Libya, said Korutürk.

Citing data from the UN refugee body, known as UNHCR, he said 1,200 people had gone missing in trying to make the crossing.

Source: Hürriyet.
Link: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=chp-calls-on-gov8217t-to-help-libya-refugees-2011-05-29.