Libya denounces remarks by Tunisian president on sharing Bouri oil field

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - Libya on Sunday decried remarks by Tunisian President Kais Saied about sharing the Bouri oil field.

In a statement, Libyan Oil and Gas Minister Mohammed Oun said the case of the Bouri oil field was decided by a verdict from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1982 in favor of Libya.

He added that the maritime borders between Libya and Tunisia were also defined and that the ICJ's verdict was based on an agreement between the two countries.

Oun also indicated that Libya's top leadership would respond to Saied's remarks.

Meanwhile, the head of the Energy Committee of the Libyan parliament, Issa al-Oraibi, said his committee is reviewing the Tunisian president's remarks in order to officially respond.

Saied claimed last week that Tunisia gets little benefit from the Bouri oil field, adding there was an intention to share the field with Libya.

The Bouri oil field is located 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) north of the Libyan coast and produces about 23,000 barrels of oil a day.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar