In an interview with “Sputnik,” Libyan National Unity Government’s Oil and Gas Minister Mohamed Aoun revealed significant legal breaches in the country’s oil sector overseen by the National Oil Corporation (NOC).
Specifically, Aoun highlighted an unauthorized proposal by the corporation to invite Turkey to deploy a seismic survey ship off Libya’s coast for oil and gas exploration, which he deemed contrary to laws and transparency rules.
“Truthfully, I was unaware of this issue,” Aoun said when asked about the National Oil Corporation’s proposal and potential collaboration with Turkey. He stressed that the correct and legal procedure would involve a public tender, lamenting the current widespread legislative and legal violations within the sector.
Aoun warned that these breaches have severely damaged the reputation of the National Oil Corporation, unprecedented since its establishment in 1970.
“Instead of working to enhance its reputation and combat corruption through transparency and good governance, the corporation continues to assign tasks directly, including this matter,” Aoun remarked.
Regarding the frequent closures of oil fields in Libya, Aoun confirmed that these shutdowns directly impact the nation’s income and negatively affect relationships with clients, potentially leading to loss of business.
As for the overall situation in Libya, Aoun believes it requires radical solutions to a range of issues to help the country emerge from its crisis.
“I was forced to temporarily step down, but following a court ruling in my favour, the government must comply with the judgment and reinstate me. I will do my utmost to stabilize production and achieve this as quickly as possible,” Aoun committed.
On a related note, Turkish Energy Minister Alp Arslan Bayraktar announced on Wednesday that Libya had proposed sending a seismic survey vessel to explore for oil and natural gas off its coast, a move welcomed by Turkey.
