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Sanalla: integrity of Libyan state depends on oil sector unity
Oslo, 19 June 2019 – Preservation of the Libyan state depends on oil sector unity and adherence to international law, said National Oil Corporation (NOC) chairman Eng. Mustafa Sanalla yesterday. Speaking at the annual Oslo Forum in Norway, a symposium for conflict mediators co-hosted by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Sanalla highlighted how the Libyan conflict is directly impacting the oil sector and the country.
“The collapse of the oil sector would undoubtedly lead to a humanitarian crisis,” said the NOC chairman. “The corporation is being attacked, both physically and online. Oil sector workers are being put in harm’s way by people who using our facilities for military purposes. This is unacceptable.”
Sanalla emphasized that NOC’s recent success in increasing production and oil revenues, despite security challenges, has been achieved by remaining non-partisan. “The country is experiencing dangerous levels of disinformation. These campaigns, many directed at NOC and me personally, are paid for by foreign powers determined to divide and undermine us. The architects of these campaigns must be held to account,” he added.
The importance of upholding international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, in particular, was also discussed. According to Sanalla: “Successful attempts to sell crude oil would undoubtedly be used to further fuel the war – potentially dividing the country forever. NOC must be allowed to keep oil flowing to pay for basic services and build a future economy for our young people. I am fearful for our collective future if the integrity of the oil sector is not maintained.”
Chairman Sanalla also highlighted NOC’s commitment to transparency of national oil revenues and their distribution. “A key element of the conflict is the perception of fairness and equitable distribution of funds across the country. We support the adoption of transparency standards across government and especially with respect to revenue distribution. This will help eradicate corruption, and allow Libyans to see where every dinar of their money is being spent.”
19 June 2019
Oslo