US, Allies Condemn Attacks on Four Libyan Oil Terminals

The United States and five allies condemned Monday’s attacks on four Libyan oil terminals, the governments said in a joint statement.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The six governments called on all parties in Libya to undertake an immediate ceasefire and to refrain from any further hostilities.

They also called on all forces to avoid any action that could damage Libya's energy infrastructure or further disrupt its exports, the statement noted.

"The Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States condemn this weekend's attacks on Zueitina, Ras Lanuf, Es Sider, and Brega oil terminals in Libya," the statement said on Monday.

"Libya's oil belongs to the Libyan people. The Presidency Council (PC) is the sole steward of these resources. The PC and other Government of National Accord (GNA) institutions have an obligation to ensure oil revenues are used to provide essential services for the Libyan people," the statement added.

Forces led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the armed forces loyal to Libya's Tobruk-based government, have gained full control of an area known as Libya's oil crescent with its major oil terminals, general's spokesman Khalifa Obeidi told Sputnik Sunday.

Libya has been in a state of civil war since May 2014. The United Nations helped to bring about a ceasefire in late 2015 and on March 31 the UN-backed unity government took office in Tripoli. The government has so far failed to unite the country.