The Head of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR), Issa Al-Araibi, has criticised the US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland, for his recent statement on Libyan oil.
In a statement, Al-Araibi called the Ambassador’s remarks a blatant interference in the internal affairs of Libya.
Al-Araibi stated that the US Ambassador is only concerned with the flow of oil and gas and disregards the suffering of the people. He also accused the Ambassador of overlooking the corruption of the outgoing government.
Al-Aribi emphasised that the closure of oil fields is a Libyan issue, and Libya rejects any foreign interference in this matter. He stressed the need for a fair distribution of wealth among all Libyans.
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. This often leads 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.
