(ANSAmed) - TRIPOLI, NOVEMBER 11 - After the formation of an
autonomous government two weeks ago, the Cyrenaica political
bureau has announced the creation of a regional oil company. The
announcement was made by Abd Rabbo Al-Barassi, the PM of the
newly established government of Barqa - the Arabic name for the
eastern region of Libya - Sunday at a press conference.
The new oil company is headquartered in Tobruk, where the
Hariga terminal is located.
The Hariga terminal has been blockaded for months, along
with other ports and major extraction sites in the eastern part
of the country, by strikes staged by security guards and workers
who accuse the government of corruption in oil sales. They are
also demanding a pay rise. Authorities instead say that the
strikes are being orchestrated by federalists calling for
greater independence of the eastern region.
The protests are led by a former revolutionary and current
head of the security guards of the largest oil terminals in the
eastern section of the country, Ibrahim Jadran, who was recently
named head of the Cyrenaica Political Bureau.
The authorities have repeatedly but unsuccessfully sought a
negotiated solution. Both Prime Minister Ali Zeidan and Oil
Minister Abdel Bari Al-Arousi have visited the eastern terminals
and oil fields to negotiate reopening the sites but in vain.
Zeidan has also announced a 67% pay rise for oil sector workers.
On Sunday, the government set down an ultimatum, saying that those on strike have 10 days to reopen the ports. Should they fail to do so, all 'necessary measures' will be taken: what sort of intervention is planned has not been disclosed.(ANSAmed).
Zeidan has also announced a 67% pay rise for oil sector workers.
On Sunday, the government set down an ultimatum, saying that those on strike have 10 days to reopen the ports. Should they fail to do so, all 'necessary measures' will be taken: what sort of intervention is planned has not been disclosed.(ANSAmed).
