Libya's NOC warns against exploitation of Gulf crisis to export oil

Source: Xinhua| 2017-06-14 15:16:20|Editor: Zhang Dongmiao
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TRIPOLI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The chairman of the Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation (NOC) Mustafa Sanalla on Tuesday warned the eastern-based Prime Minister Abdullah Al-Thani against using the Qatari-Gulf crisis as an excuse to illegally export oil.

"This will cause more suffering for the Libyan people, lower revenues and reduce our ability to pay for the necessary commodities. It will also cause further deterioration in the Libyan dinar exchange rate against foreign currencies." Sanalla said.

"UN Security Council resolutions and numerous statements by the international community recognize the National Oil Corporation (NOC) as the only legitimate authority authorized by law to sell crude oil and its derivatives on international markets," Sinallah said, warning Thani's government against any "irresponsible" attempt to block oil exports.

The statement was issued a few days after the eastern government, headed by prime minister Abdulla Thani, blocked operations with by the Qatari company Glencore.

Thani accuses Sanalla's NOC of granting an executive a contract to Glencore to sell oil through the far eastern port Al-Hariga.

Sanalla praised the army's general command. "We respect the general command of the national army for its position against any operations to prevent exports from the oil ports."

Following announcement of the Gulf states and Egypt unilateral sanctions against Qatar, Thani on Sunday called for the suspension of the dealings and contracts with the Qatari company.

Libya is divided between two rival governments despite signing of a UN-sponsored peace agreement in December 2015. Political rivalry and violence decreased the oil production in Libya.

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