Libyan government source: We are ready to provide Egypt's oil needs

CAIRO - 21 October 2020: A high-level government source in the interim Libyan government said that Libya is ready to provide all of Egypt's oil needs.

This comes after the recent crisis caused by Saudi Aramco that sent its oil pledges to the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum for the month of October.

A high-ranking source in the Libyan government, who refused to reveal his identity due to the sensitivity of his position, confirmed in exclusive statements to Egypt Today on Wednesday that Libya will not stand idly amid attempts to pressure Egypt economically.

He explained that Libya would not forget Egypt's prominent role in supporting the stability and security of Libya and its support for the Libyan National Army (LNA) in its war against terrorism.

The government source indicated that the recent measures taken by Egypt in favor of Libyan immigrants to its lands and providing all means of support to the Libyan citizen urgeLibya to stand by Egypt as one of the most supportive countries for the Libyan people.

Oil-rich Libya has been mired in chaos since the ouster and killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It now has two rival authorities and a multitude of militias vying for control of the country.

The country’s internationally recognised government is based in Tripoli, while KhalifaHaftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army, is supported by a parallel administration based in the east.

In July, the Egyptian House of Representatives has authorized President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to “take necessary measures” to protect national security, giving a green light for the president to send troops to Libya.

This came in a closed session on protecting the Egyptian and Libyan national security against terror threats. The session was attended only by the Parliament members and the general secretariat of the House.

A week earlier, Sisi said at a meeting with Libyan tribal chiefs in Egypt that any Egyptian military intervention in Libya may only materialize upon a request by the Libyan people and permission from the Egyptian House.

According to Article 152 of the Egyptian constitution, the state has to seek the Parliament’s approval before declaring war or sending its forces in combat missions.The members attending the session are not authorized to disclose any details of the discussion inside this secret meeting.

During his meeting with the tribal chiefs on July 16, Sisi said Egypt has always stood by a peaceful solution in Libya through encouraging negotiations between Libyan factions. However, it will not stand idly as it watches activities that threaten Egypt’s national security.

“Egypt has the strongest army in the region and Africa,” he said, adding that it is, however, wise and does not assail or invade other territories.

He noted that in case the Egyptian forces enter Libya, they will be led by tribal leaders carrying the Libyan flag.