Canada lifts economic sanctions against Libya

Canada lifts economic sanctions against Libya

2011-09-02 03:48:06 GMT+7 (ICT)

PARIS (BNO NEWS) -- The Canadian government has decided to lift economic sanctions against the North African country of Libya now rebels have taken over large parts of the country, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced on Thursday.

Harper made the announcement while in Paris for a summit being held there to discuss Libya's transition to democracy now most of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi appears to have come to an end. Canada recognizes the Libyan opposition National Transitional Council (NTC) as the country's sole representative.

"Canada is taking this first step to remove our unilateral sanctions that were put in place against the Gaddafi Regime in order to assist the Libyan people transition justly, safely and securely towards a democracy," Harper said. "We will continue to work with our international partners and allies to help ensure support for the people of Libya as they chart their own democratic course."

The sanctions being lifted restricted Canadian individuals and entities from any dealings with the Libyan government, as well as its institutions and agencies. These sanctions were passed under the Special Economic Measures Act and were in addition to the sanctions imposed by the United Nations in Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

The sanctions imposed by the UN in February remain in effect until they are lifted by the United Nations Security Council. The sanctions were imposed due to Gaddafi's violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.

Since the protests against the regime of Gaddafi began in mid-February, Libya has been engulfed in a civil war which has left tens of thousands of people killed. Rebels have taken over large parts of Libya in recent weeks, including the country's capital of Tripoli, effectively removing Gaddafi from power although some troops are still loyal to his regime.

Nearly 80 countries have now recognized the NTC as Libya's sole representative, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Other countries have established formal or informal relations with the NTC, while some other countries only recognize the NTC as a negotiating party.

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