(Author: Libyan Gazette Editorial Staff)
NATO allies released a statement on Thursday in support of the decisions made by the Libyan government’s in attempts to reconcile Libya’s various rival factions in hopes of unifying the country.
The Government of National Accord (GNA) has been working on suggesting a new list of names to be in the new Libyan government after the parliament in the east, the House of Representatives (HoR), rejected the current government line-up.
The US, France, Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain said they support the Libyan government’s decision and emphasized the need for the HoR, to vote for to approel the new government in the upcoming vote.
“Members of the House of Representatives (HoR) are responsible for taking this next vital step in implementing the Libyan Political Agreement, which provides the only means to restore peace and stability in Libya,” said the NATO allies statement.
Libya used to be Europe’s main source of oil in North Africa, in addition to being one of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries members who produced over 1 million barrels of oil a day. The NATO allies said two weeks ago that they support the Libyan government based in Tripoli and that the government is the only authority that NATO recognizes to control the oil terminals in Libya.
In July, Libya was preparing to reopen one of its oil terminals that was under constant attack by armed groups for the past two years. The Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) said that crude oil exports from two of Libya’s major oil ports were in good condition to begin the process of exporting oil.
Last month, Libya produced close to 304,000 barrels of oil a day, a 6 percent decrease since June.
All rival militia groups were asked to refrain from causing further damages to the oil reserves.
