Libya to intercept or strike oil tanker: MP

BENGHAZI, Libya (AA) – Libyan authorities will intercept an oil tanker that is currently loading thousands of barrels of crude oil from the eastern Sidra port without the approval of the Libyan government, according to one lawmaker.

"The North Korea- flagged tanker would be intercepted by Libyan warships inside Libyan territorial waters and its crew would be arrested," a member of the interim parliament's energy committee told Anadolu Agency on Sunday, requesting anonymity.

"Orders have been given to Libyan aircraft to strike the tanker if the warships fail to intercept it," he added.

The Morning Glory oil tanker had berthed at Sidra port on Saturday and started loading 350,000 barrels of crude oil through a deal with the  self-declared administration of the oil-rich eastern Barqa region.

Local leaders celebrated the tanker's arrival on Saturday, hailing it as a victory for their region.

 The 24-member administration, known as the Executive Office, was formed last year to run the affairs of the region, citing marginalization by the federal government.

It is not recognized by the government in Tripoli.

According to the lawmaker, the oil tanker is owned by a Saudi businessman.

He expected the tanker to leave Sidra Port by noon.

Libya's prosecutor-general Abdel-Qadir Radwan on Saturday authorized the use of force against the tanker.

In a press conference on Saturday, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan threatened to shoot the tanker if the drew declined to head the orders of Libya's navy.

He blamed the tanker's owners for what he described as the "disastrous" consequences from the possible shooting of the tanker.

Libya has been suffering security turmoil since the 2011 popular uprising that ousted longstanding leader Muammar Gaddafi, amid tensions among its various regions.

Some regions are pressing for autonomy.

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