The United States Special Envoy to Libya, Richard Norland expressed his satisfaction with the “positive debate generated among Libyan leaders regarding the distribution of the country’s oil revenues.”
In a recent statement, Norland highlighted that this issue has been one of the underlying causes of conflict in Libya. He praised the efforts of the Presidential Council, Libyan Parliament, Government of National Unity (GNU), and other stakeholders in establishing a transparent and accountable revenue management mechanism.
“The US has consistently supported Libyan-led efforts to resolve this issue,” Norland stated, saying that “no foreign actors should control it.” He noted that “there has been real progress between relevant institutions in recent days and encouraged leaders to reach an agreement.”
Norland stated that “this is an opportunity to build trust, address legitimate concerns about corruption, and ensure that the vast revenues from Libya’s ongoing oil production benefit all Libyans.” He welcomed the opportunity to “exchange views with Libyan leaders on this important aspect of Libya’s future.”
Notably, 70 MP’s have expressed their rejection of the recent statements made by Norland. In his statement he called for abstaining from using oil as a political weapon, due to its economic and political consequences.
The MP’s claimed that the statement made by the US Envoy was “based on inaccurate information.” They also reiterated that the decision made by the Libyan Parliament-designated 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, they 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 Parliament, 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 condemned any interference in the internal affairs of Libya, especially the judiciary.
