Five Western Governments have jointly condemned recent attacks on oil terminals in Libya and called for a ceasefire.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US also reiterated their support for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), calling it Libya’s sole executive authority and steward of the resources.
Four terminals in Libya’s “oil crescent” − Zueitina, Ras Lanuf, Es Sider, and Brega − were attacked on the weekend by rival factions.
A force led by General Khalifa Haftar took control of two of the bases.
A spokesman for the unrecognized eastern authority said the takeover was aimed at “regaining full control of the oil crescent”.
The two ports have a capacity of 700,000 barrels of oil per day. However, the pair have been closed for months as the country continues face political uncertainty.
The five governments said today in a joint statement: “We call on all parties to undertake an immediate ceasefire and to refrain from any further hostilities.
“We also call on all forces to avoid any action that could damage Libya’s energy infrastructure or further disrupt its exports.
“Libya’s oil belongs to the Libyan people.”