TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) The leaders of a movement for self-rule in oil-rich in eastern Libya say they have formed a regional oil company to handle its sales of crude, in one of the most serious challenges yet to the central government.
The movement had already set up a shadowgovernment, complaining of central authorities neglect. Along with local tribes demanding better pay and more political rights, it has effectively halted exports from the region's main oil terminals since summer, blocking a critical government revenue source.
Prime Minister Ali Zidan had said the groups must stop their blockade by Nov. 20, but didn't speak of any consequences.
Abd-Rabbo al-Barassi, the head of the newly declared Barqa government, said late Sunday the regional oil company would be temporarily based in Tobruk, before moving to Benghazi.
