Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan left for Libya on Monday on a 3-day state visit upon an invitation by al-Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmudi, the General Secretary of the General People's Committee of Libya, Anadolu Agency reported.
"The situation that occurred after the attacks on Gaza was discussed at the meetings. However, the doors have not yet opened. Turkey wants to extend its helping hand here. We invite Israel to assess those issues more affirmatively," Erdogan told reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport prior to his departure for Libya.
Responding to a question on Gaza and the Middle East peace process, Erdogan said, "the problem between Israel and Palestine is at the same time a problem of us. The superstructure and infrastructure there have been devastated because of the bombs."
Erdogan said this would be the first visit after a long time from Turkey to Libya in prime ministry level.
The latest visit from Turkey to Libya was 13 years ago.
Erdogan said many ministers, parliamentarians and businessmen were accompanying him during the visit, adding that political and economic relations as well as cooperation would be discussed.
"The parties will exchange views to add momentum to relations. This visit will be fruitful to boost regional developments with Libya," Erdogan said, and noted that signing an agreement to encourage investments would be in question.
Erdogan said he was scheduled to meet Libyan Leader Muammer Ghaddafi, General Secretary of the General People's Committee of the of Libya al-Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmudi, several other Libyan executives and would attend Turkish-Libyan Business Forum.
Commenting on his Justice & Development (AK) Party meeting that took place at the weekend, Erdogan said "democratic move" process within the scope of "National Unity and Fraternity Project" was mainly discussed at the meeting.
"All those are very important for us to form common mind," Erdogan said and noted that the process was explained during meetings that took place in 78 provinces immediately after the process was discussed at the Parliament.
"The works will continue till to the end of spring. This is a state project, so the addressor is the nation. Everybody should assume responsibility," he said.
Asked to comment on opposing views of Belgian Prime Minister Herman Von Rompuy, appointed as EU's President, toward Turkey's EU membership, Erdogan said Rompuy himself said he had to act in line with the principles of the EU.
When a journalist said, "talks are underway that Hamas could release the abducted Israeli soldier. Does Turkey have a role on the matter?", Erdogan said, "during our talks with Israel which continued for five rounds we have repeatedly told them that we could help them. We are ready to extend any help if necessary. However, I can say that there are positive developments apart from us. I hope the problem will be solved."
Erdogan also reacted against the flags of the terrorist organization and posters of the head of the terrorist organization in a party bus.
When asked whether the attack on Democratic Society Party (DTP) convoy in Aegean province of Izmir would have a negative impact on "Democratic Initiative" process, Erdogan said, "it is very clear. The government would not allow again such scenes to occur again. It is not possible for us to consider this affirmatively. Such scenes have negative impact on the process contrary to our positive point of view."
