Libyan oil terminals reopen after rebel deal

TRIPOLI, Libya, April 7 (UPI) -- Another 200,000 barrels of oil exports could come back on stream through the opening of oil ports under rebel control in eastern Libya, an official said.

Authorities last week started negotiations to reopen ports blocked by political groups operating under the authority of Ibrahim al-Jathran, who is seeking more autonomy for the eastern region of Cyrenaica.

Libyan Justice Minister Salah al-Marghani said Sunday authorities in Tripoli agreed on terms with eastern leaders to reopen oil ports al-Hariga and Zuetina. Both at peak capacity can export 200,000 barrels of oil per day combined.

Tripoli under the terms of the agreement agreed to pay compensation to eastern rebels and call off threats of military action in the region. Eastern rebels in turn are prohibited from taking action that would halt operations at export terminals.

Libya's oil potential since civil war ended in 2011 has been curbed largely by internal violence. Export levels are at around 150,000 bpd.

The Libyan government last month called for U.S. military assistance to seize Morning Glory, a North Korean-flagged vessel that left eastern ports with an illicit cargo of oil.

The U.N. Security Council in response authorized a resolution that permits military force to respond to any oil shipments from Libya taken without Tripoli's consent.

[BBC]