70 Members of the Libyan Parliament (MPs) have expressed their rejection of the recent statement made by the US Special Envoy to Libya, Ambassador Richard Norland. In his statement he called for abstaining using oil as a political weapon due to its economic and political consequences.
The members of the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR) stated that the statement made by the US Envoy was based on inaccurate information. They also reiterated that the decision made by the Prime Minister of the Libyan Government to place the oil revenue under the custody of the Libyan judiciary was done to protect the rights of the Libyan people and preserve their wealth for future generations.
Furthermore, the members of the HoR criticised the bias shown by Norland toward one party over the other, as well as his interference in the internal affairs of Libya.
They also expressed their disapproval of his disrespect for the Libyan judiciary. Therefore, the signatories of this statement, who are members of the HoR, reject the recent statement made by the US Envoy and support the decision of the Libyan Government-designate to place the oil revenue under the custody of the Libyan judiciary.
They also condemn any interference in the internal affairs of Libya, especially in the Libyan judiciary.
On Saturday, the US Special Envoy to Libya urged Libyan leaders to “create a comprehensive mechanism to effectively manage oil revenues.”
This initiative aims to “address concerns surrounding the distribution of oil proceeds, and promote transparency, without jeopardizing Libya’s economic stability or the non-political nature of the National Oil Corporation (NOC).”
Norland also urged Libyan political actors to “refrain from threatening oil shutdowns; as such actions could have devastating consequences on the Libyan economy and harm all Libyan citizens.”
Speaking earlier, the US Envoy emphasised that current diplomatic efforts are focused on assisting Libyans in reaching a mechanism, for the equitable distribution of oil revenues.
Oil is a vital resource for Libya, accounting for the majority of the country’s revenue. However, disputes over the allocation of its income have long been a contentious issue, often leading to disruptions in production and exports. These disruptions have further hindered Libya’s economic recovery, and the improvement of living conditions for its citizens.
Norland’s call for a comprehensive mechanism comes at a crucial time for Libya. Establishing transparent and accountable procedures for managing oil revenues would not only help alleviate grievances, but also create a solid foundation for economic growth and development in the country.
By encouraging Libyan leaders to prioritise dialogue and cooperation, Norland aims to facilitate an inclusive and constructive process, that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders. This approach seeks to avoid any potential conflicts that could hinder Libya’s progress toward stability and prosperity.
