Libya: NOC fingerpoints UAE for sending illegal oil shipments to Haftar

The Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) has accused the UAE of smuggling jet fuel to retired and rebel Gen. Khalifar Haftar, in clear violation of UN embargo.

The NOC in a statement said it also informed the UN, the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), and several other countries of the aviation fuel shipment.

“The shipment came from the UAE to Benghazi on a ship called Gulf Petroleum 4 and has been in Benghazi port for a number of days,” it also said.

The NOC, is the sole and internationally recognized Libyan entity in charge of the Libyan oil. The company also indicated that UAE in September 2019 recognized it as the country’s sole independent, legitimate and nonpartisan oil company and committed to support it exclusively for the sake of Libya’s political and economic stability, and the well-being of all its citizens.

A western diplomat working on Libya said that the import of jet fuel to Benghazi would break the UN arms embargo imposed on Libya since 2011, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports.

UAE and several other countries have thrown their weight behind the east-based military rebel commander to the detriment of the GNA.

Haftar has launched since April 2019 a military offensive to overthrow the Tripoli-based administration that he accuses of being controlled by members of Muslim Brotherhood.

Several countries backing either the GNA or Haftar agreed in the Berlin conference, held January 19, to cease interfering in Libyan internal affairs and respect the UN embargo.