Germany Shuts Libya Embassy

Germany Shuts Libya Embassy

Germany's foreign ministry in Berlin has announced that the German embassy in Libya has been closed "for security reasons".

The ministry said that German nationals remaining in Libya had been informed in advance of the possible closure.

In a statement, the ministry said that it had urged them to use the remaining options to leave the country.

Consular assistance

The ministry said that consular assistance would be provided from Berlin, adding that 51 German nationals were still in Libya as at the start of the week.

Britain and France have already closed their embassies, as foreign nationals leave the country to escape the violence that erupted.

Imposed sanctions

The European Union, in Brussels has imposed sanctions on Libya's top spies, soldiers and relatives of President Muammar Gaddafi.

The bloc decided on Monday to impose a visa ban and asset freeze on Libyan officials held responsible for the murderous crackdown on opposition demonstrators.

The measures could only come into effect once published in the EU's official journal.

Six people including Gaddafi, his daughter Aisha and sons, Saif al-Islam, Hannibal, Khamis, and Mutassim - were singled out for an asset freeze by the UN Security Council.

Gaddafi's brother-in-law Abu Shaariya, his cousins Ahmed Said Mohamed al-Dam, and his sons Mohamed, Saadi and Saif al-Arab, are also on the list.

Others include the 26 people, including Defence Minister, Abubakr Jabir, Army Commander, Masoud Abdulhafiz, military intelligence, chief Abdullah al-Senussi, who is also Gaddafi's brother-in-law and Gaddafi's wife, Safiah.

Increased protest

Protesters on Friday gained access to Libyan capital, which is one on Gaddafi's stronghold.

Concerns have also continued to increase for refugees fleeing the country.

NAN/Margaret