By Houda Mzioudet.
Tripoli, 20 August 2013.
The Libyan navy has announced it is starting patrols to prevent illegal exports of Libyan oil.
In . . .[restrict]a statement today the Chief of Staff of Libyan Naval Forces warned foreign government, as well as marine companies and shipping agencies that its ships had began sea patrols off the oil ports of Sidra, Ras Lanuf and Brega, following orders from the government and the Libyan Chief of Staff.
According to the Libyan news agency LANA, the navy intends to inspect tankers in the area to ensure all comply with safety procedures and none is shipping Libyan crude oil without proof of a contract from National Oil Corporation, it being the only legitimate body authorised to contract and export Libyan oil.
The Navy statement said it would, in cooperation with the Air Force, warn unauthorised tankers to leave the area. If any refuse, they would be intercepted and escorted to the nearest port.
The naval bases in Tripoli and Benghazi and the Misrata coast guard will provide six ships in all in the operation. [/restrict]
