Libya’s rebel oil chief, Ali Tarhouni, says the rebel government has been holding direct talks with foreign oil companies on future cooperation, adding that he had no qualms about dealing with those had earlier worked closely with Gaddafi’s government in the capital Tripoli, according to Reuters.
Tarhouni named Wintershall and Total as companies the rebels has spoken with.
Tarhouni had harsh word for Western powers, reporting that the rebels have run out of money. Tarhouni reports that Refineries sit unused as damage to oil fields perpetrated by forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi has ceased oil production.
“We don’t have any (cash). We are running out of everything,” Tarhouni said. “It’s a complete failure. Either they (Western nations) don’t understand or they don’t care.”
He added: “We are not producing any oil because of the damage. I don’t expect us to produce oil any time soon. The refineries have no crude oil, so they are not working.”
“We need help, we said we respect and abide by all contracts. The only enemy that I have is Gaddafi and his killers and thugs,” Tarhouni said. “In terms of commerce and companies I have no enemies.”
