BRUSSELS – European Union governments will meet on Wednesday to discuss imposing sanctions against Muammar Gaddafi’s government, while evacuating thousands of their citizens from Libya, EU officials said. France and Germany have pushed for the 27-member EU to move quickly on measures against Libya, following a crackdown on protests against Gaddafi’s 41-year rule that has killed, by some estimates, as many as 1,000 people.
The leader of Ireland’s main opposition Fine Gael party also said he would support sanctions. Italy and Malta have argued the EU should be more cautious because of a possible economic impact on the bloc and concerns over a flood of migrants from Libya seeking refuge in Europe, particularly in southern countries. But EU diplomats said pressure was rising in the bloc for sanctions.
“Our understanding is that positions have moved closer on deciding of sanctions against Libya,” an EU diplomat said. “We expect the political impetus for these sanctions to be given this afternoon.” French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Wednesday the EU should suspend all economic ties with Libya. “I would like the suspension of economic, commercial and financial relations with Libya until further notice,” he said in a statement after a weekly meeting of ministers.
Enda Kenny, almost certain to be Ireland’s prime minister after Friday’s election said: “I think what is happening is appalling from the reports that I have heard. We cannot condone these kind of activities in any respect and I have made my views known to the EU on this matter. Yes I would support sanctions.” Gaddafi has fuelled alarm in the EU by saying last week he would stop cooperating with the bloc on stemming the flow of migrants to the EU from Africa.
