Libyans wrap up debates on oil plan

Libyans ended meetings yesterday to discuss a plan by leader Muammar Gaddafi to disband the government and hand the country's oil money directly to its people, state media said.

Colonel Gaddafi argues corruption is so deeply entrenched in the government that the only way to cure Libya of graft is to disband the ministries and hand out more than $30 billion in oil revenue this year to its five million people.

The outcome of the debates by Libya's Basic People Congresses (LBPCs) would be known early next month when the 300-member General People's Congress, the equivalent of a national parliament, is widely expected to announce that Col. Gaddafi's plan was overwhelmingly endorsed.

President Gaddafi's supporters control the 468 congresses and the General People's Congress constitutes their umbrella.

The LBPCs are effectively the top executive and legislative bodies which vote on laws and government policy. In practice, however, President Gaddafi decides on key policies like oil money.

About one million Libyans ranked on the bottom rung might be entitled to receive up to 30,000 dinars (€18,060) each per year, according to government's estimates debated at the congresses. Around half a million people on the top rung might get 1,288 dinars each.