ZCZC
BFF-63
LIBYA-CONFLICT-OIL-UN LEAD
Libya unity government urges UN to block ‘illegal’ oil sales
TRIPOLI, June 26, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Libya’s unity government on Tuesday
called on the UN Security Council to block any “illegal” oil exports from the
chaos-hit country after a rival administration won control of key ports.
The appeal by the UN-backed Government of National Accord follows the
seizure of two eastern ports by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who said
they would be handed over to the unrecognised administration in the east.
“Handing over oil terminals to an illegitimate entity only exacerbates the
division,” the Tripoli-based GNA said.
Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army said Monday it had regained “full
control” of Libya’s oil crescent, after 10 days of deadly fighting with a
rival militia.
The GNA said the transfer of oil revenues to the unrecognised
administration backed by Hafar “undermines all international and national
efforts in recent years towards a return to stability”.
Libya has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 armed uprising that toppled
and killed long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival authorities
vying for control.
Haftar supports the administration based in the east of the country.
A UN-backed unity government in Tripoli has struggled to assert its
authority outside the west.
BSS/AFP/FI/1858 hrs