UN adviser calls for ending blockade over Libya oil fields

TRIPOLI, Libya

UN Special Adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, on Monday called for lifting the closure of oil fields and resumption of all civilian flights in the Arab country.

“I am following with concern reports of closure of oil fields and suspension of some civilian flights,” Williams said on Twitter.

“Freedom of movement around the country is a basic right and all civilian flights should be resumed,” she stressed.

On Sunday, the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared a state of force majeure in two oil fields, including El Sharara, the country’s largest, after militants closed the crude pumping valves at the export ports.

Libya is witnessing a deep political rift as the Tobruk-based parliament on Thursday gave confidence to a new government headed by former Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha while Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh insists on continuing with his post and duties as Prime Minister.

The Dbeibeh government warned that it would consider any attempt to storm its headquarters as an "attack against the government.”

Dbeibeh came to power based on the outcomes of the Libyan Dialogue Forum that set the term of the transitional executive authority at 18 months, extending until June 24.

*Writing by Bassel Barakat

TRIPOLI, Libya

UN Special Adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, on Monday called for lifting the closure of oil fields and resumption of all civilian flights in the Arab country.

“I am following with concern reports of closure of oil fields and suspension of some civilian flights,” Williams said on Twitter.

“Freedom of movement around the country is a basic right and all civilian flights should be resumed,” she stressed.

The Dbeibeh government warned that it would consider any attempt to storm its headquarters as an "attack against the government.”

Dbeibeh came to power based on the outcomes of the Libyan Dialogue Forum that set the term of the transitional executive authority at 18 months, extending until June 24.

*Writing by Bassel Barakat