Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on implementing sanctions against Libya

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today made the following remarks announcing Canada's implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 adopting sanctions on Libya:

"Canada had called for the Security Council to act and we are pleased that it has done so. The unanimous passing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 yesterday 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.

"Therefore, Canada earlier today implemented the following binding sanctions contained in the Resolution:

• 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 Muammar Qadhafi and members of his family.

"Canada also welcomes the creation of a Security Council sanctions committee that will monitor implementation of Resolution measures, designate additional individuals under the travel ban and asset freeze, if warranted; and will report within 30 days to the Security Council on its work.

"In addition, Canada has decided to go beyond the Security Council Sanctions. Our Government will impose an asset freeze on, and a prohibition of financial transactions with the Government of Libya, its institutions and agencies, including the Libyan Central Bank."

To read the entire statement, PLEASE CLICK HERE.