Libya: UAE calls for resuming oil production

The UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash, on Monday, called for resuming oil production in Libya as soon as possible, stressing that his country supports a ceasefire there.

This came a day after the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) accused Abu Dhabi of playing a role in the suspension of oil production in the country.

On Sunday, the NOC accused the UAE of instructing the forces of retired Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar to block Libyan oil exports after they resumed on Friday.

The NOC said in a statement: “The Foundation learned that the United Arab Emirates was the party that gave instructions to the armed forces of Khalifa Haftar to stop production,” announcing the re-imposition of force majeure on all oil exports.

READ: Libya’s NOC blames UAE for halt to oil output, exports

In the same context, Gargash tweeted: “The UAE calls, in cooperation with its partners, for the return of oil production in Libya as soon as possible, and stresses the importance of providing guarantees to prevent the use of oil revenues to prolong and fuel the conflict.”

“We will continue political and diplomatic action to prioritize the implementation of a ceasefire and the return to the political process.”

The UAE, alongside its partners, wants to see a return to oil production in Libya as soon as possible, with safeguards in place to prevent the proceeds fuelling further conflict. We continue to work for an immediate ceasefire and return to a political process.

— د. أنور قرقاش (@AnwarGargash) July 13, 2020

The UAE, along with Egypt and Russia, is supporting the eastern forces led by Haftar, who announced on Saturday that the production and export of oil will continue to be hindered.