Monday, February 21, 2011

EU fears for citizens in Libya, but divided over Gaddafi

BRUSSELS: European Union foreign ministers are preparing for the evacuation of their citizens from Libya but cracks remained on how to handle Muammar Gaddafi.

During a meeting in Brussels, the 27 ministers denounced the government's violent repression against peaceful demonstrators and urged authorities in Tripoli to exercise restraint. They also debated whether to impose sanctions on Tripoli.

European Union foreign ministers have been united in their condemnation at the Libyan government's deadly crackdown on protesters and they are urging the government in Tripoli to use restraint.

Laurent Wauquiez, French EU Affairs Minister, said: "The news arriving, reports of deaths are unacceptable. Libya is a member of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Libya should respect its commitments, should not make this absolutely disproportionate use of armed force which we have seen being used for the last couple of days."

Finland Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Stubb also condemned the draconian measures taken against protesters in Libya.

"The country is a huge enigma no one really understands what is going on. All we can do at this stage is call for non violent demonstrations but we are seeing a lot of violence, we find that very unfortunate and we condemn it."

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