The head of the National Oil Corporation in Libya, Mustafa Sanalla, expressed his rejection of the decision of the National Unity Government to replace him, while military and security leaders in Tripoli issued a statement declaring their readiness to confront anyone trying to create chaos inside the city.

Upon his return to Tripoli after performing the Hajj, Sanalla warned in a televised speech, Prime Minister of the Unity Government, Abdel Hamid Dabaiba, not to "touch" his institution.

"Your government has expired and has no authority over the institution or any other," he said.

On Tuesday, the Libyan National Unity Government decided to appoint Farhat bin Qadara (an ally of retired Major General Khalifa Haftar) to Sanalla's place in the presidency of the institution, which raised fears that it would be dragged into political tension.

Dabaiba also formed a committee to manage the transition to the new board of directors, according to a statement posted on the Oil Ministry's website.

On Tuesday, the National Oil Corporation issued a statement announcing the lifting of force majeure on exports from Brega and Zueitina ports.

She added that negotiations are continuing to resume exports from the port of Sidra, and to operate the fields of the Waha and Mellitah companies again.

Readiness to protect Tripoli

On the other hand, military and security leaders stressed - in a statement issued on Tuesday evening - their readiness to confront anyone who tries to cause chaos inside Tripoli, and demanded to adhere to the elections as the only way out of the political crisis.

Military and security leaders rejected what they described as the new transitional stages under any name.

The statement affirmed support for the national reconciliation process, provided that it is not a means to empower war criminals from the joints of the state, as they put it.