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.

Italy, whose prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is personally friendly with Gaddafi, and Malta, urged restraint. Both countries are the focal point for many illegal immigrants coming from north Africa.

Thousands of supporters of the deposed Tunisian ruler, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, with cash and credit cards — unusual for economic migrants — are reported to have fled to the Italian island of Lampedusa, off Libya.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattaini insisted the EU could not call for Gaddafi to go.

Czech Foreign Minister Minister Karel Schwarzenberg warned of bigger catastrophes if Gaddafi falls. “If we get involved we would only complicate the situation,” he said.

Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb wanted sanctions against Gaddafi following reports that snipers had been killing demonstrators.

“How can we look at what is going on in Libya with amost 300 people shot dead and not talk about sanctions for Gaddafi, and put travel bans and sanctions on Belarus?” he asked.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn echoed his remarks, saying: “We cannot accept that snipers shoot people.”

Several countries are making plans to evacuate their citizens, especially after Gaddafi’s son warned that “rivers of blood will run through” the oil-rich country.

Britain’s foreign secretary, William Hague said he had received some information that Gaddafi was on his way into exile in Venezuela.

EU foreign minister Cathy Ashton left last night to visit Egypt but was beaten to it by her countryman, British Prime Minister David Cameron. He met some of the military and refused to meet representatives of the Muslim Brotherhood who intend to take part in elections due later this year.