Sarkozy urges EU sanctions against those implicated in crackdown in LibyaFebruary 23, 2011 - 15:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Nicolas Sarkozy pressed on February 23 for European Union sanctions against Libya's regime because of its violent crackdown on protesters, and raised the possibility of cutting all economic and business ties between the EU and the North African nation. "The continuing brutal and bloody repression against the Libyan civilian population is revolting," Sarkozy said in a statement. "The international community cannot remain a spectator to these massive violations of human rights." France's president has asked the Foreign Ministry to propose sanctions including barring those implicated in the crackdown from the European Union and monitoring their financial transactions. He also wants to ensure they are brought to justice. The statement added that Sarkozy wants to examine the possibility of suspending economic, commercial and financial relations with Libya. Sarkozy's proposal was a sharp turnaround from 2007, when he hosted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi for a pomp-filled visit to Paris, and the two countries cut billions of euros in deals for arms and nuclear reactors. The warm welcome for the Libyan leader drew angry protests, including from France's then-human rights minister, who said rewarding a man accused of rights abuses with business deals was letting him treat France as "a doormat", The Associated Press reported. The crisis has sent oil prices soaring to the highest level in more than two years. On Tuesday, Gadhafi vowed to fight to his "last drop of blood." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |