Libyan rebels occupying oil ports refuse to deal with new PM

BENGHAZI, Libya - Reuters

A general view taken on April 9, 2014 shows the oil terminal of Marsa al-Hariga after rebels in eastern Libya ceded control of the oil port. AFP Photo

Rebels occupying major oil ports in eastern Libya said on Wednesday they would not deal with new Prime Minister Ahmed Maiteeq, a stance that could threaten efforts to reopen the terminals in the OPEC producer.
   
Maiteeq's predecessor Abdullah al-Thinni had reached an agreement with the rebels to reopen four of the ports, though only the smaller ones, Hariga and Zueitina, have been handed over to government forces.
   
Both sides had agreed to hold further talks over the larger Ras Lanuf and Es Sider exports terminals. But the rebels' comments on Wednesday suggested those efforts could hit difficulties.
   
"We refuse to deal with Ahmed Maiteeq ... Maiteeq came to power illegally," rebel spokesman Ali Hasi said, without elaborating.
   
Maiteeq, a businessman, was sworn on Sunday in after a chaotic election in parliament. Many deputies have challenged his appointment.
   
There was no immediate comment from the government.
   
The North African country has been mired in turmoil since the 2011 overthrow of strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
   
Its government and army have struggled to assert authority over a country still awash with arms and rival militias, some of whom have seized oil ports and fields demanding regional autonomy and a greater share in revenues.
   
Their actions have cut oil output to 250,000 barrels a day, down from 1.4 million bpd in the summer, eroding public finances which are almost entirely dependant on crude. Parliament has failed to approve a budget for this year.
   
In another sign of turmoil, most air traffic at Benghazi airport came to a halt after a fight among ground staff.
   
The two main local carriers Libyan and Afriqiyah Airlines suspended flights after a member of the ground staff tried smuggle two Chadians without travel documents on board of one of their flights, airport officials said.
   
The employee scuffled with a colleague who had tried to stop him, a source at ground handling firm al-Shorooq said.