The United Nations Support Mission in Libya has expressed concern over the recent shutdown of major oil port by the state-owned National Oil Corporation.
A report on Friday accredited to Xinhua News Agency said, “The United Nations Support Mission in Libya expresses its concern regarding the recent shutdown in oil production at Marsa al-Hariga and indications that other shutdowns are imminent.
“The uninterrupted production of oil, as well as maintaining the independence and impartiality of the NOC, remains a vital cornerstone to the economic, social and political stability of Libya.’’
The UN agency added that it was incumbent on all parties to ensure that the NOC remains an independent, technocratic, well-resourced institution and to ensure the transparent and equitable management of resources, as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Roadmap to combat corruption.
“This is of critical importance for the government that is requested to improve the delivery of basic services to the Libyan people,’’ it said.
The NOC had on Monday declared the state of force majeure in the port of al-Hariga as a result of the Central Bank of Libya’s refusal to liquidate the oil budget for months.
Suspension of oil exports at Hariga port could cause daily losses of more than LYD118m ($26m), the NOC was quoted to have stated.
