http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/br...oney-running-out/story-e6frf7jx-1226064864032
THE new rebel administration in Libya has warned it is fast running out of money because countries that promised financial aid have not come through.
Ali Tarhouni, the rebel finance minister, complained that many countries that pledged aid have instead sent a string of businessmen looking for contracts from the oil-rich country.
"They are very vocal in terms of (offering financial) help, but all that we have seen is that they are ... looking for business," Mr Tarhouni said.
He recently returned to Benghazi, the rebel bastion, from a trip overseas to drum up aid that included a visit to Rome where the contact group on Libya promised to set up a fund to speedily help finance the rebel administration.
k even our friends do not understand the urgency of the situation. Either they don't understand, or they don't care," he said
Mr Tarhouni emphasised that the rebels' National Transitional Council will be signing no long-term contracts. While the rebel administration will honour previously signed contracts, he indicated a new democratically elected government might do otherwise.
"Right now, I am not going to sign any contract that has any consequences for the future of Libya, with the exception of what I need in terms of food, medicine, fuel," he said.
THE new rebel administration in Libya has warned it is fast running out of money because countries that promised financial aid have not come through.
Ali Tarhouni, the rebel finance minister, complained that many countries that pledged aid have instead sent a string of businessmen looking for contracts from the oil-rich country.
"They are very vocal in terms of (offering financial) help, but all that we have seen is that they are ... looking for business," Mr Tarhouni said.
He recently returned to Benghazi, the rebel bastion, from a trip overseas to drum up aid that included a visit to Rome where the contact group on Libya promised to set up a fund to speedily help finance the rebel administration.
k even our friends do not understand the urgency of the situation. Either they don't understand, or they don't care," he said
Mr Tarhouni emphasised that the rebels' National Transitional Council will be signing no long-term contracts. While the rebel administration will honour previously signed contracts, he indicated a new democratically elected government might do otherwise.
"Right now, I am not going to sign any contract that has any consequences for the future of Libya, with the exception of what I need in terms of food, medicine, fuel," he said.