Despite a ceasefire, Libya's oil production remains blocked by Haftar's militia, and could cripple the country's economy
Foreign powers agreed at a summit in Berlin on Sunday to shore up a shaky truce in Libya, but the meeting was overshadowed by blockades of oilfields by militia loyal to warlord Khalifa Haftar, that could cripple the country’s crude production.
Libya has had no stable central authority since dictator Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown by NATO-backed rebels in 2011. For more than five years, it has had two rival governments, in the east and the west, with streets controlled by armed groups. Haftar has won backing from a range of foreign allies for an assault to capture Tripoli in the west, while Turkish support for Tripoli’s effort to repel him has turned the conflict into a proxy war. Oil output to tumble 'in days'
Any lasting closure could hit Tripoli hard since the government relies on oil revenues to fund its budget. The east, under Haftar, has tried to export oil, bypassing the NOC, to gain a greater share of oil revenues.A call for a ceasefire from Russia and Turkey helped reduce fighting a week ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin said ahead of a meeting with Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the conference.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Foreign powers to discuss ways out Libya crisis with rival campsLibyan rival camps and their foreign backers will attend a summit in Berlin on S...
Read more »
Borrell suggests EU military mission to protect cease-fire in LibyaThe EU should consider sending troops to Libya to enforce a ceasefire in the North African country, the blocs's foreign policy chief said
Read more »
Erdogan: Turkey key to Libya peace with efforts in field, diplomacyWith its efforts in the field and political diplomacy, Turkey assumes key role to bring peace to Libya – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Read more »
Germany hosts Libya summit in bid to curb military meddlingGermany is bringing together the key players in Libya’s long-running civil war
Read more »
World powers in Berlin to seek elusive Libya peaceRussia, Turkey and France are due for talks held under the auspices of the UN, along with warring factions.
Read more »