European Union further extends sanctions against Libya

European Union further extends sanctions against Libya

2011-08-10 20:47:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union on Wednesday extended sanctions against the Libyan regime of Muammar Gaddafi by adding two companies to its list, barring EU firms from doing business with them.

The two companies added to the list on Wednesday are the al-Sharara oil company and Libya's Organization for Administrative Affairs. In total, six port authorities, 49 entities and 39 persons are now subject to a EU freeze of their funds and financial resources.

The European Council said the new sanctions were adopted due to the 'gravity of the situation.' It said both companies added to the list on Wednesday are 'closely linked' to the perpetrators of alleged human rights abuses in Libya.

Libya has been engulfed in a civil war since an uprising against Muammar Gaddafi's regime began in mid-February, while Libyan forces have been accused of violently cracking down on anti-government protesters. It led to UN Security Council Resolution 1973 which authorized member states to impose a no-fly zone over the North African country and to take 'all necessary measures' to protect civilians.

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