European Union Will Impose Sanctions On Libya

The EU’s asset freeze and visa ban target Gadhafi and some two dozen of his closest family and government associates. The measures also ban the sale of tear gas and riot-control gear and other equipment that might be used for repression by Gadhafi. Germany went further, proposing to cut off all oil and other payments to Libya for 60 days to make sure the regime does not get more money to hire mercenaries to repress anti-government critics.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, speaking in Geneva, said the world powers also were discussing the “complex issue” of creating a no-fly zone over Libya. She said the European measures were intended to reinforce U.N. Security Council sanctions against Libya approved over the weekend.

Europe’s action was significant because it has much more leverage over Libya than the United States — 85 percent of Libyan oil goes to Europe, and Gadhafi and his family are thought to have significant assets in Britain, Switzerland and Italy. Switzerland and Britain have already hit Libya with a freeze on assets.

British Prime Minister David Cameron told the country’s Parliament on Monday that he has not ruled out the “use of military assets” against Libya.