Libya threatens to sue over oil deals

Algiers - Libya’s government warned on Wednesday it would sue any international company which concluded energy deals with the rebels who control some of the country’s oil infrastructure, the state news agency reported.

“The National Oil Corporation ... is the entity authorised by law to deal with external parties.

Because of the strategic importance of these goods - oil and gas - at the global level, no country can leave their management to armed gangs,” said a government communique carried by the Jana news agency.

“The Libyan state will sue any party that seals deals regarding Libyan oil with parties other than the National Oil Corporation,” it said.