A federal US judge issued a default judgment against Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, finding him liable for war crimes against several Libyan families who have accused him of extrajudicial killings and torture. Judge Leonie Brinkema’s judgment, which follows a previous recommendation from a magistrate judge last month, paves the way for the families in three separate civil suits to seek monetary compensation. Following Brinkema’s decision, lawyers for Haftar confirmed that they would be withdrawing as the Libyan commander’s counsel, leaving him without a lawyer going forward. The next step in the legal case is a hearing where the judge will evaluate what kind of compensation package the families should receive. Read more from Middle East Eye.
Category: U.S. – Libya News/Action
Ambassador Norland’s Visit to Tripoli
US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland visited Tripoli on July 28 and engaged with Libyan counterparts on the importance of maintaining stability and security in light of recent clashes that killed 16 Libyans. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of finalizing consensus on the constitutional basis for presidential and parliamentary elections, as a vital step to establishing full legitimacy for the Libyan government. During the visit, Ambassador Norland met with Vice-President of the Presidential Council Abdallah al-Lafi, GNU Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush, and General Mohammed al-Haddad. The Ambassador also met with a small group of NGOs that are working to support HNEC and the electoral process. Read more from the US Embassy.
US Representatives Attend Turkish Meeting on Libya
Ambassador Richard Norland and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Josh Harris represented the US at an international meeting hosted by the Turkish foreign ministry in Istanbul on July 21 to review recent developments in Libya. The US supports efforts to reopen Libyan oil and gas production and stands ready with international partners to support Libyan-led efforts to manage oil revenues in a transparent and accountable way so that all Libyans benefit from their nation’s oil wealth. The United States is closely following court proceedings regarding the NOC and encourages Libyan actors to allow judicial authorities to carry out their duties without interference. The NOC’s independence and apolitical status in recent years is a legacy that should be maintained to sustain Libya’s reputation in the international oil sector. Read more from the US Embassy on Twitter.
Amb Norland Completes Overnight Visit to Tripoli
US Special Envoy and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland was in Tripoli June 28-29 for meetings focused on US support for moving beyond the transitional phase in Libya to an elected, unified government. During this first overnight visit to Tripoli by a US Amb in several years, Amb Norland met with GNU PM al-Dabaiba, President of the PC Mohamed al-Menfi, along with VPs Moussa al-Kouni and Abdallah al-Lafi, GNU FM Najla al-Mangoush, as well as NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla, and HNEC Head Dr. Emad al-Sayeh. Amb Norland said, “The US continues to support the vast majority of Libyans who expect elections and demand that the country’s oil wealth be managed responsibly. While the ceasefire and dialogue have continued, it is alarming that some narrow interests are using the oil sector as a weapon. Read more from the US Embassy in Libya.
USLBA Members Virtual Meeting with Ambassador Norland
The U.S.-Libya Business Association (USLBA) held a virtual meeting with U.S. Special Envoy to Libya and Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland on November 16, to discuss the latest developments in Libya, the path to national elections, and measures to support US and other foreign investment while also cultivating a healthy business climate in Libya for the benefit of all Libyans. Central to the discussion, all parties emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the oil sector, keeping it away from disputes, and attracting investment to strengthen the national economy.
Member firms of the USLBA are optimistic that long-term political stability will help expand economic links between the United States and Libya and achieve the immense potential of our nations’ relationship.
USLBA is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Ambassador Norland and the U.S. Embassy Libya External Office to strengthen our member companies’ long-term commitment to the Libyan people in their efforts to rebuild and diversify the Libyan economy, create jobs, and provide a sustainable future for Libya’s youth.
USLBA co-hosts webinar to promote foreign investment in Libya
On May 20, the US-Libya Business Association (USLBA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia (AmCham Tunisia) hosted a virtual conference to highlight investment opportunities in Libya, and to promote trilateral commercial relations between the United States, Libya, and Tunisia.
After introductions by USLBA Chairman, Mr. Mack Moore, and AmCham Tunisia President, Mr. Naceur Hidoussi, Libya’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Wafa Bughaighis, and Tunisia’s Ambassador to the US, H.E. Nejmeddine Lakhal, shared hopeful messages for the future of Libya and seizing its potential in trade and investment with the US and the international market. Following these remarks, USLBA Executive Director, Ms. Lydia Jabs, moderated a panel featuring Ms. Mai Abdelhaim, President of General Electric International Markets North Africa; Mr. Assad Riyany, Head of Libyan Business at Bank ABC; Mr. Ahmed Ghattour, Representative of Crowe Global; Mr. Rafik Mzah, General Secretary of AfricInvest; and Mr. Adel Chaabane, Partner at Mazars. Ms. Rym Bedoui Ayari, the founder of BCo Consulting and Vice President of AmCham Tunisia, delivered the closing statement.
After noting the recent positive political developments in Libya, as well as economic reforms, the participants all emphasized that Libya is open for business. To that end, panelists identified key sectors for development in Libya, including: Infrastructure and Development, Healthcare, Education, as well as Energy and Power. The speakers shared their experiences and successes operating in Libya and exchanged strategies for conducting business in Libya, banking, managing foreign payments, and obtaining letters of credit.
As an output of this webinar, USLBA and AmCham Tunisia have organized 15 private sector discussions arranged to connect US, Libyan, and Tunisian companies. These meetings will take place virtually from May 24-28. AmCham Tunisia is also planning to organize a road show in Libya to further strengthen ties between Tunisian and Libyan companies.
Through the webinar and follow up meetings, the conference was designed to exchange ideas, opportunities and experiences, foster productive relationships between participants, and launch new joint ventures in Libya’s reconstruction process. We are excited about the outlook for trade and investment with Libya.
To access a recording of the event, please visit: https://youtu.be/hhcRBSWHtY8. For more information, please contact USLBA at information@us-lba.org or AMCHAM at executivedirector@amchamtunisia.org.tn
USLBA Hosts Virtual Discussion with NOC Chairman Sanalla
On March 10th, The U.S.-Libya Business Association (USLBA) had the opportunity to meet virtually with the Chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), Mr. Mustafa Sanalla, to discuss the country’s progress towards reunification and the potential for further development of its resources and economy. USLBA congratulated Chairman Sanalla on his Anti-Corruption Champion Award by the US State Department and his commitment to improved business transparency and efficiency.
USLBA Hosts Virtual Meeting with Ambassador Richard Norland
USLBA Hosts Virtual Meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Natalie Baker
The U.S.-Libya Business Association (USLBA) held a virtual meeting with U.S. State Department Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Natalie Baker on October 2. The discussion focused on the implications of recent developments within the UN-facilitated Libya mediation process, as well as the partial reopening of the oil sector. USLBA member companies participated in the event and shared updates on their respective projects in Libya.
USLBA is encouraged by the progress made towards the reopening of the oil sector in Libya as well as steps towards a sovereign Libyan solution for the distribution of resources based on the best interests of the Libyan people.
USLBA is pleased to work with the U.S. State Department and Acting DAS Natalie Baker to enhance bilateral economic ties between the United States and Libya and to promote a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.