Libya: EU Imposes Arms Embargo and Targeted Sanctions

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council of the European Union adopted today a decision implementing the U.N. Security Council Resolution on Libya of February 26 (UNSCR 1970/2011) and imposing additional restrictive measures against those responsible for the violent crackdown on the civilian population.[1]

In line with Saturday's decision by the UNSC, the Council banned the supply to Libya of arms, ammunition and related material. In addition to the U.N. measures, the Council also prohibited trade with Libya in equipment which might be used for internal repression. The Council enacted the following U.N. measures:

• a visa ban on 16 persons, including Muammar Qadhafi, parts of his family closely associated with the regime and other persons responsible for the violent crackdown on the civilian population since February 15;
• a freeze of the assets of Muammar Qadhafi and five members of his family.

The Council also adopted as autonomous measures a visa ban on an additional 10 individuals and an asset freeze on a further 20 individuals responsible for the violent crackdown on the civilian population.

On February 23, the European Union expressed its grave concern about the situation unfolding in Libya. It strongly condemned the violence and use of force against civilians and deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. It called for an immediate end to the use of force and for steps to address the legitimate demands of the population, including through national dialogue.

The decision taken today will be kept under review. It will be published in the Official Journal in the coming days.

Please see also: Speech by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton before the Human Rights Council.

www.eurunion.org & www.twitter.com/EUintheUS

[1]The decision was adopted without discussion at today's meeting of the Transport, Telecoms and Energy Council.

SOURCE Delegation of the European Union to the United States