Libya-Turkey talks discuss building contracts

The prime ministers of Turkey and Libya have discussed the possible return of Turkish companies to complete construction projects in Libya as well as outstanding payments and compensation for losses incurred by the firms forced to suspend operations, AP reported. Turkish contractors were involved in hundreds of building projects worth more billions of dollars before the uprising two years ago which toppled Moammar Gadhafi's regime. Turkish companies swiftly evacuated some 25,000 workers during the chaos. Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zidan said Wednesday his government was ready to immediately pay 50 percent of outstanding payments to Turkish contractors and address the rest of payments in two installments as projects advance. Turkey says companies are owed $1.5 billion in back payment.