On Sunday April 5, the negotiations between Jadhran and the government seemed to have borne fruit with a compromise that will open up the previously blockaded oil ports. It is unclear if this deal represents government appeasement, hard bargaining, or a win-win for both sides. Only time will tell. The idea of Cyrenaica getting a regional percentage or quote of the country's oil earnings does seem counterproductive in the long run and an unfortunate way to resolve the standoff, but the idea of a corruption probe and a system to oversee exports sounds beneficial as any step (even one taken under duress) that improves transparency in Libya is a good thing. So this could be a banner day for Libya, and a serious movement in the right direction... as said above only time will tell. To read a Reuters article about these developments click here.
Libyan rebels occupying four eastern oil ports agreed with the government on Sunday to gradually end their eight-month petroleum blockade, which has cost the North African state billions in lost revenues. Zueitina and Hariga ports, held by federalist rebels demanding more autonomy from Tripoli, will open immediately while the larger ports, Ras Lanuf and Es Sider, will be freed in two to four weeks after more talks, the government said......Jathran's movement set up its own self-declared federal government in the east, where many feel they have long been neglected by Tripoli. They made three key demands on the government, including a system to share oil revenues, a probe of corruption and a committee to oversee oil exports....The oil deal does not necessarily end protests that have shut western oil production facilities such as the 340,000-bpd El Sharara oilfield for weeks. Protesters in the west have few ties with the east and are splintered into small groups lacking a joint leadership, which makes it hard to negotiate with them.