Over the past few weeks, we have all been watching coverage of the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa. Most recently, we have all been captivated by the tragic events unfolding in Libya.
On Feb. 27, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Canada’s implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 adopting sanctions against Libya. It sends a very clear message: the murder of its own citizens by the Libyan regime, and the gross violations of the population's human rights will not be tolerated by the international community, and will carry serious consequences. Our government continues to work with key allies and the international community to intensify pressure on the Libyan regime.
The binding sanctions in the resolution are:
• an arms embargo requiring all states to prevent the sale or supply of arms into Libya, or the export of arms from Libya;
• the inspection of cargo going into Libya;
• a travel ban on Muammar Qadhafi and 15 individuals closely associated with him;
• and an asset freeze against Qadhafi and members of his family.
In addition, Canada is going beyond the Security Council Sanctions. Our government is imposing an asset freeze on, and a prohibition of financial transactions with, the Government of Libya, its institutions and agencies including the Libyan Central Bank. Additional individuals may be designated under the travel ban, and further asset freezes may be ordered. These actions will help restrict the movement of, and access to money and weapons for those responsible for violence against the Libyan people.
The international community is calling on the Libyan regime to put an end to violence, act with restraint, provide immediate access for international human rights monitors, ensure the safety of foreigners, allow safe passage of humanitarian and medical supplies and lift restrictions on the media.
Our priority has been the safe evacuation of Canadians from Libya. This effort continues in close cooperation with the British and our other allies. Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to contact registered Canadians by phone, where possible, regarding opportunities to leave the country by any means possible. Consular advice is also available through www.travel.gc.ca
Prime Minister Harper said, “A government’s first and most fundamental responsibility is to protect the safety and security of its citizens. Mr. Qadhafi has blatantly violated this most basic trust. Far from protecting the Libyan people against peril, he is the root cause of the dangers they face. It is clear that the only acceptable course of action for him is to halt the bloodshed and to immediately vacate his position and authority.”
