Trump Voices Support for Libya’s GNA

US President Donald Trump stressed his country’s ongoing support to Libya’s Government of National Accord, headed by Fayez al-Sarraj.

"The United States is committed to supporting the Libyan people as they seek to build a realistic and peaceful constitutional process and elections, in accordance with the United Nations political plan," said the message by Trump to Sarraj, according to a statement from the Presidential Council Thursday.

Trump sent his message on the occasion of Libya’s 67th independence day, which falls on Monday.

He also voiced his commitment to continue working with Libya, the UN and international partners to establish a united Libyan government that can stand against terrorism and provide stability and security to the people.

In addition, he said that Washington will support Libya as it seeks to hold elections according to the UN plan.

Separately, the GNA-affiliated National Oil Corporation (NOC) said that it will not reopen the al-Sharara oilfield until the government provides necessary security measures.

NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla said that force majeure, a contractual waiver, would not be lifted at Sharara until alternative security arrangements were in place, a statement said.

His stance contradicted with that of the GNA, which had announced that the oilfield will be reopened in wake of Sarraj’s visit to the area earlier this month.

The oilfield generates 315,000 barrels a day field, nearly a third of Libya’s crude production.

Its closure is costing the economy $32.5 million a day.