EU to impose sanctions on Libya
By DPA, IANSMonday, February 28, 2011
BRUSSELS - European Union member states are to impose sanctions on Libya later Monday, following the UN Security Council’s call for punitive measures, a spokeswoman said.
On Saturday, the Security Council called unanimously for sanctions to be adopted against the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in response to his bloody crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
The EU “will adopt today (Monday) a council decision implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1970, together with accompanying measures such as an embargo on equipment that might be used for internal repression,” EU foreign policy spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said.
Diplomats in Brussels said that the sanctions would include a visa ban and asset freeze on Gaddafi and his close allies, and an embargo on arms sales and non-lethal equipment which could be used in the crackdown.
The list of people targeted is not known, but diplomats said that it would probably include between a dozen and 30 names.
“It’s quite clear that we are targeting Colonel Gaddafi and members of his family and inner circle,” Kocijancic said, adding that the list would be regularly updated.
Ambassadors from EU member states were expected to approve the decision in principle later Monday, with EU energy ministers, holding a formal meeting in Brussels, giving it political endorsement immediately thereafter.
