The “tribal movement” in Libya tossed the ball in the court of Libyan National Army (LNA) commander Khalifa Haftar, by declaring that it was tasking him with negotiating with the United Nations and international community the reopening of oil fields.
The east-based tribal leaders entrusted Haftar with finding ways to avoid oil resources from falling into the clutches of terrorist militias. They also called on him to reopen oil fields that have been shut since the beginning of the year.
The leaders met at the Zueitina oil port on Monday, declaring that the Libyan people have a right to benefit from oil revenues and forge ahead and rebuild their country.
LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari welcomed the statement, adding that the military was “studying its next move in wake of this announcement.”
He said that the army always welcomes any move that would help resolve the Libyan crisis and dry up the sources of terrorism financing.
The oil facilities file, which used to be managed by tribes and the people, is now in the hands of the military that has the duty to maintain their security, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Government of National Accord deputy defense minister Salaheddine al-Namroush said his forces will not allow “saboteurs” to meddle with energy resources, including oil fields and ports.
He vowed that they will not fall victim to “exploitation or extortion” or the clutches of “mercenaries and criminal gangs.”
Separately, commander of the Turkish naval forces, Adnan Ozbal, made a surprise visit to Tripoli on Tuesday.
He was received by GNA military officials and visited the Abu Sitta Naval Base amid speculation that he was set to discuss the inauguration of a Turkish naval base in Tripoli.
