US imposes sanctions on Libya; closes embassy at Tripoli

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Feb 25 (PTI) Going ahead with unilateralsanctions against the Muammar Gaddafi regime, the US todaysuspended its military ties with Libya and temporarily closeddown its embassy in Tripoli.

Toughening its stand against the authoritarian Libyangovernment, White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney, said moremeasures against Libya are in the pipeline and would beannounced in due course of time.

The US is also in talks with its internationalpartners with regard to collective action against the Libyanregime including those at the United Nations.

"There has never been a time when this much has beendone quickly," Carney said, adding that the US which has verylimited military relationship with Libya and also very limitedmilitary sales with them, both of which have been suspended.

"Col Gaddafi has lost the confidence of his people.

His legitimacy has been reduced to zero in the eyes of hispeople," Carney said but was quick to add that it is a matterfor the people of Libya to decide on the leadership of thecountry.

"The status quo is not acceptable," Carney said. TheUS President, Barack Obama, would meet the UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon, on Monday, he said.

"Given current security conditions in Libya, coupledwith our inability to guarantee fully the safety and securityof our diplomatic personnel in the country, the Department ofState has temporarily withdrawn Embassy personnel from Tripoliand suspended all embassy operations effective February 25,2011," State Department spokesman P J Crowley said.