Speaking from his self-imposed exile in Istanbul, Al-Kabeer said that the bank’s board of directors, which was appointed by the Western factions, Libya Instead, he controls the country’s internal payments system, but foreign banks do not conduct transactions with him.
“All the international banks (we deal with), about 30 major international institutions, are suspended (have stopped all transactions),” Al-Kabeer continued, adding that he is still in contact with other institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the US Treasury Department and JP Morgan Bank.
“All business has stopped internationally. Therefore, there is no possibility of accessing balances or deposits outside Libya,” he added.
The Treasury and the IMF did not immediately respond to requests for comment. JPMorgan declined to comment, saying it could not discuss client relationships.
Al-Kabir said the council appointed by the western Libyan factions took control of the country’s internal payments system, including the payment of salaries.
He added, “Internally, the employees have returned and the systems are working.”
