The Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassadors of the European Union, Italy and the German chargé d'affaires, chastising them for trying to look for weapons on its ship, which was going to Libya. This is reported by TASS with reference to a source in the department.
It is noted that Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal handed over a note of protest after an attempt to inspect the Rosaline A merchant ship without Ankara's permission. At the same time, it is indicated that the Turks reserve the right to demand compensation. According to their version, the ship was exclusively humanitarian aid.
Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay also strongly condemned the actions of the German frigate's crew, Anadolu reports. It is noted that the conduct of Operation IRINI, in which the Bundeswehr put forward demands, is biased.
Earlier it was reported that Turkey refused to give Germany access to its vessel, which was heading towards Libya for verification due to suspicions of violating the UN arms embargo. It is noted that the German frigate “Hamburg” stopped him 200 kilometers from the Libyan city of Benghazi. The Turks first let the German representatives on board, but then forbade them to search the ship. After that Rosaline A set off towards the coast of Libya.
Prior to that, UN experts suspected Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Turkey of violating the international arms embargo in Libya. Turkish military cargo arrives in the west of Libya, including on passenger aircraft. “It is almost impossible to buy tickets for these flights, they are not for commercial passengers,” the report noted.
