Militia group takes over oil refinery in western Libya
Iran Press TV
Wed Nov 13, 2013 4:24PM
A Libyan militia group has blockaded a major oil refinery in the country's troubled west, demanding medical care for the injuries they received in the fight against former regime forces.
The protesters have already stopped all production at the Zawiya refinery which produces around a fifth of the country's fuel.
The militia staged similar protests at the refinery twice last year. In addition to its national role, Zawiya refinery's output also covers some 70 percent of western Libya's demand.
Queues began forming at petrol stations in the capital city of Tripoli and its suburbs amid fears of fuel shortages because of the protest.
The developments come after Libya's Prime Minister Ali Zeidan called for an end to chaos in the North African country, warning that foreign forces may otherwise intervene under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
"The international community cannot tolerate a state in the middle of the Mediterranean that is a source of violence, terrorism and murder," Zeidan told reporters in Tripoli on Sunday.
The premier also urged Libyans to protest against militias and support the military forces of the country, saying, "The people must take to the streets...and support the building up of the army and police."
Since 2011, several Libyan cities have been the scene of numerous attacks and political assassinations amidst increasing power struggle among several militias who fought against former ruler Muammar Gaddafi during the uprising.
Over the past few months, the capital city of Tripoli and its suburbs have been also the scene of fierce clashes between rival militias.
The former rebels refuse to lay down their arms, despite efforts by the central government to impose law and order. Many countries have closed their consulates in Benghazi and some foreign airlines have stopped flying there.
JR/SS
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