Zeidan threatens force to end oil industry disruption
By Hadi Fornaji
Tripoli, 16 August 2013:
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan today launched a fierce attack on protestors disrupting Libyan oil production and sales at four export terminals, which the government says have cost the country $1.6 billion in the last three weeks, as output tumbled below 400,000 b/d. June production had reportedly been nearer 1.3 million b/d.
Zeidan said that force would be used to end refinery blockades at Zueitina, Brega, Ras Lanuf and Sidra. Moreover, he vowed that any tanker approaching an export terminal to pick up an unauthorised crude shipment, might be fired on without warning.
The startling warning comes amid rumours that the regional commander of the Petroleum Facilities Guard, named as Ibrahim al-Jathran, whose members are striking over pay, was planning to sell oil independently. Oil traders have however told the Libya Herald that such an unauthorised lifting would be nigh impossible. Even if a tanker turned off its Automatic Identification System (AIS), it could still be tracked and any refinery taking delivery of the cargo would be open to legal action.
The chaos brought about by the series of strikes and blockades, coinciding with Egyptian civil turmoil, has seen world oil prices pushed upwards. Today London Brent Crude for September delivery was up 24 cents at $110.44 a barrel.
National Oil Company chairman, Nuri Berruien, told Reuters that Libya could no longer guarantee supplies to its oil customers. He said however, that the September schedules “will be modified, not cancelled… because of the current sit-ins at ports and fields.”
Oil Minister Abdelbari al-Arusi expanded the warning, saying many of Libya’s clients “are now searching for other providers.”
Despite his combative tone, Zeidan also made a point today of thanking those tribes and elders who had sought to intervene and reduce the tension around the multiple disruptions.
Tripoli International Airport to shut for three months. All flights move to Mitiga: report
By Ashraf Abdul Wahab
All flights handled by Tripoli International will move to Mitiga
Tripoli, 16 August 2013:
Tripoli International Airport is to close for runway repairs in six weeks time. A senior source at the Ministry of Transport said this evening that the work will take three months. During that time all domestic and international flights will move to the military airbase at Mitiga on the eastern side of the city.
Tripoli International has a 3,600 metre concrete and asphalt main runway. Mitiga’s ashpalt runway in 3,360 metres long. The Ministry of Transport source gave no indication of who will be undertaking the runway maintenance nor the cost of the project.
At the moment the only civilian carrier using Mitiga is Buraq Air. Libyan Airlines is planning to relocate some operations there but the move is not planned until sometime next year. An official from one foreign airline, who asked not to be named, told the Libya Herald that this was the first that he had heard about the repair work.
It was not possible this evening to contact anyone from the Airports Authority nor the Civil Aviation Authority to confirm the plan and what arrangements for the switch-over are in hand.
Zeidan condemns Amaziegh storming of GNC
By Sami Zaptia.
Tripoli, 16 August 2013:
Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has condemned the storming of the GNC by some elements who took part in Tuesday’s otherwise peaceful demonstration by Amazighs protesting at the fact that just two seats have been reserved for them on the 60-member Comstitutional Commission.
Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, Zeidan denounced the use of force as a means to achieve political aims, saying that the GNC was of a great importance to Libyans. Whatever their differences or views, he said, the GNC represented the public’s and the state’s legitimacy.
Echoing and supporting the similar condemnation expressed by the GNC President Nuri Abusahmain, himself an Amazigh, Zeidan said that Libyans should give total support to the GNC.
The Prime Minister added that Libya was facing many challenges at present and that Libyans had to hold on to the legitimacy of the GNC. It was the only legitimate elected body they had.
Rebuilding of Libya’s army to start next week – Zeidan
By Sami Zaptia.
Tripoli, 16 August 2013:
Recalling the 8 August anniversary of the formation of the Senussi Libyan Army in Egypt during World War II, Prime Minister’s Ali Zeidan said that Libya finds itself building and rebuilding its army again.
Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, Zeidan said here was the country again building another army – an army which he hoped would be incentivised, determined and professional.
He referred to the recent governmental decree to form committees to take charge of the nomination and organisation of training for members of the army and police.
The Prime Minister revealed that 1,600 members were ready for training which he expected to start next week.
The training is expected to take place in ten different barracks spread across the country.
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