Embargo violations: EU countries push ahead with sanction plans

Berlin, Paris and Rome are increasing the pressure on countries that interfere in the Libya conflict. There is now an initial list of companies that are to be sanctioned.

Brussels (dpa) - Germany, France and Italy want to curb the ongoing arms deliveries to the civil war country Libya with EU sanctions.

According to information from the German Press Agency, the three countries have agreed on a list of companies and persons who provide ships, aircraft or other logistics for the transport of weapons and thus violate the UN embargo that has existed since 2011. Specifically, according to information from EU circles, it is about three companies from Turkey, Jordan and Kazakhstan as well as two people from Libya.

Civil war has raged in Libya since the overthrow of long-term ruler Muammar al-Gaddafi in 2011. The government troops are supported by Turkey, their opponent General Khalifa Haftar in turn by Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Russia. All attempts to mediate in the conflict have so far been unsuccessful - including a Libya conference in Berlin in January. A solution is also important for Germany, France and Italy because the chaotic conditions favor the business of smugglers who illegally bring migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 200810-99-105748 / 3