A European Union delegation in Libya on Wednesday expressed its support for efforts to resume oil production in the country.
In a statement on its social media account, the delegation said losses from the closure of Libya's oil wells and the current blockades imposed by forces loyal to the Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar have added up to nearly $6 billion over the last five months and caused major infrastructure damage.
Calling on all Libyan and regional actors to constructively respond to efforts to remove the blockade, the delegation condemned the presence of foreign mercenaries in oil fields in Libya, including the Sharara oilfield.
“The presence of mercenaries endangers the integrity of these facilities with possible long-term impacts for Libya's oil production,” the delegation stressed and added that all parties in the country must ensure that the National Oil Company (NOC) can fulfill its vital role on behalf of all Libyans.
In a statement on Monday, the NOC said there have been ongoing negotiations to resume oil production over the past several weeks between the Government of National Accord (GNA), NOC and regional countries, under the supervision of the UN and the US.
Expressing hope that regional countries would lift the blockade allowing the NOC to resume its vital work for the benefit of all the Libyan people, the company said it was determined that oil revenues would achieve social justice for all Libyans.
Libya has the largest proven crude oil reserves in Africa at 48.4 billion barrels. Natural gas and oil revenues represent approximately 90% of the government’s revenue.
Since 2014, Haftar's militias have been targeting oil fields.
Libya has been torn by a civil war since the ousting of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The new government was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but efforts for a long-term political settlement failed due to a military offensive by Haftar's forces.
The UN recognizes the Libyan government, headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, as the country's legitimate authority. Turkey has also been a key supporter of this government.
Yet, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and France have been supporting Haftar and his so-called Libyan National Army.
In March, the Libyan government launched Operation Peace Storm to counter attacks on Tripoli. The operation was viewed as a major blow to Haftar’s forces, which lost strategic locations including the Al-Watiya airbase and the city of Tarhuna.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr