EU divided between calls for sanctions and restraint

THE EU was split over its response to the violence in Libya, with several countries warning against taking sides while others demanded stronger measures, including sanctions against Muammar Gaddafi.

Germany was particularly active in putting forward ideas of what could be done and were furious with the Libyan threat to allow 750,000 would-be refugees out of the country to head towards Europe.

“This is totally out of order. The EU must not let itself be blackmailed,” said the German EU Minister Werner Hoyer.