Libya’s state oil company said on Sunday it welcomed the “unconditional” reopening of blockaded oil ports following a controversial deal between the U.N.-backed government and a force that controls key eastern terminals. The agreement, signed on Thursday, could be a major step in reviving Libya’s crippled oil output. But it had been questioned by National Oil Corporation (NOC) Chairman Mustafa Sanalla, who had warned against rewarding groups that shut down production and complained that the NOC lacked funds for its own operating budget. In a statement sent to journalists on Sunday, the NOC said the U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) had released money that would allow it to increase production by 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) within two weeks. The NOC said it aims to gradually increase output to 900,000 bpd by the end of the year. Political disputes, conflict and security threats have slashed Libya’s oil production […]