Rebels plan talks with Libyan government on oil port crisis

The leader of the rebels in eastern Libya was planning to hold talks with the government to ease a blockade imposed on oil ports, parliament sources said on Wednesday. "Ibrahim Jathran has agreed to dialogue on ending oil ports crises, considering the Libyan people are calling for solidarity to avoid foreign intervention," said one lawmaker who declined to disclose his name. The rebel group led by Jathran have been in control of three oil ports in eastern Libya since June 2013, demanding a bigger share of oil income and political rewards. Analysts said if the dialogue goes smoothly, the oil export of these ports might resume in the next few days. A close source to the prime minister's office said that efforts have been made by tribal mediators and civil organizations. The Maghreb tribal leader, Saleh Tayouish, said earlier that many groups have been trying to persuade the militias to lift the blockade. Jathran, during his meetings with the elders in the tribe, denied his alleged links with late leader Muammar Gaddafi's remnants. Earlier reports said Jathran's militias were in contact with senior members of Gaddafi's regime and tried to smuggle crudes from the controlled harbors.