The embassy of the United Kingdom has reiterated on twitter that the independence and integrity of the Libyan National Oil Corporation (NOC) must be protected and respected.

The UK embassy indicated on Thursday that it "shares the views and concerns of the US embassy that commanded the work and leadership of NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanallah".

Meanwhile, The US embassy published tweets by ambassador Richard Norland as saying that they are following with deep concern developments surrounding the NOC, adding that the reported replacement of the NOC board may be contested in court but must not become the subject of armed confrontation.

Norland has reiterated that the NOC is vital to Libya’s stability and prosperity, saying that it has remained politically independent and technically competent under the leadership of Mustafa Sanallah.

After entering the Tripoli headquarters of the NOC, the Chairman of the NOC, who was appointed by the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeiba, Farhat Bengdara addressed the media in a brief press conference from inside the premises, saying he is officially now the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NOC by the force of law, vowing to convene full board meeting on next Sunday.

The move came after the decision by Debiabh to sack Sanallah and the board and replace them with a new board headed by Bengdara, a move rejected by Sanallah.

Sanallah rejected in a video statement Dbeibah’s decision and rendered it illegal, saying he is no longer a head of government, adding that Dbeibah aims to manipulate the NOC to his benefit by striking deals with the UAE.