World applies pressure on Gadaffi

Almaty. February 28. Kazakhstan Today - The UN Security Council has voted unanimously to impose sanctions on Muammar Gaddafi's Libyan regime for killing civilians who have risen in an unprecedented revolt against the regime, Kazakhstan Today reports.

Foreign ministers from around the world are gathering in Geneva to discuss their response to the mounting humanitarian crisis in Libya, BBC News reported.

Tens of thousands of migrants - many from Egypt - are stranded near Libya's Tunisian border in need of food and shelter, UN officials say.

Rebels are closing in on embattled Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in his stronghold Tripoli.

The US has publicly backed anti-Gaddafi groups in eastern Libya.

Speaking on her way to the Geneva meeting, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington was "reaching out to many different Libyans in the east".

Opposition forces controlling eastern cities including Benghazi, where the uprising started 10 days ago, say they have formed a national council to act as the political face of the anti-Gaddafi movement.

Mrs Clinton said she would discuss coordinated responses on both the humanitarian and political fronts with many of her counterparts from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa at the UN human rights council meeting in Geneva.

At least 1,000 people are believed to have been killed in nearly two weeks of violence in which eastern cities have fallen to anti-government forces.

Gadhafi has launched by far the bloodiest crackdown in a wave of anti-government uprisings sweeping the Arab world, the most serious challenge to his four decades in power.

The United States, Britain and the U.N. Security Council all slapped sanctions on Libya this weekend, The Associated Press reported.

Australia says it will place sanctions on 22 individuals in Col Gaddafi's inner circle, barring financial transactions and their entry to Australia, BBC News informed.

Members of the Privy Council including George Osborne, the Chancellor, approved the seizure of assets deposited by the Gaddafi family and members of the Libyan regime. As much as ?20 billion in liquid assets, including bank accounts and commercial property, is said to be invested in London, The Telegraph said.

Those subject to the asset freezing order are Col Gaddafi himself, his sons Saif al-Islam, who has been the most public face of the regime, Hannibal, Khamis and Mutassim and daughter Aisha.

Col Gaddafi, his children and his personal servants have also been stripped of their diplomatic immunity from prosecution should they appear in Britain.

The United Nations Security Council has imposed an arms embargo on Libya and also referred the regime for a war crimes investigation. Britain also imposed sanctions on him in an effort to force him from power.

This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.