The Tripoli based Libyan Minister of Oil and Gas, Mohamed Aoun, has asked his Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to address the British Foreign Office for more information, statement and detail on the merits and minutes of the allegation of corruption within the Libyan oil sector.
The Ministry said the aim is for it to take the necessary measures in this regard, and submit a full final report to the Tripoli based Libyan government and the judicial, supervisory and accounting authorities in the Libyan state.
British Deputy Foreign Secretary, David Rutley’s statement
It will be recalled that on 4 May, and as reported by Libya Herald at the time, the British Deputy Foreign Secretary, David Rutley, had stated that the UK will investigate any allegations of corruption in the Libyan oil sector.
The statement was made in a written answer in the British House of Commons (parliament) by to a question asked by member of parliament Daniel Kawczynski.
Kawczynski had asked Rutley ‘‘what assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies of levels of corruption in Libya’s (a) oil industry and (b) national oil bodies.
On 2 May David Rutley answered: ‘‘The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is an important institution in Libya with a vital role to play. It is however vulnerable to malign state actors seeking to benefit from Libya’s political instability and capture of Libyan wealth by a small number of well-placed individuals through corrupt practices such as fuel smuggling, which can contribute to regional instability.
The UK is therefore supportive of any efforts to investigate corruption and impropriety in the NOC and advocates greater transparency on revenue expenditure.
The UK is clear that it will investigate any relevant allegations of corruption falling under the Bribery Act 2010.
Overall, the UK believes the only means of addressing these issues sustainably is through a political settlement under UN auspices, which it continues to support, including by encouraging all parties to engage meaningfully.’’
Minister Mohamed Aoun, who had been suspended during the time, is now reacting to the British Deputy Foreign Secretary, David Rutley’s statement.
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