London: The European Union has been urged to explore ways of imposing more sanctions on Libya.
In a joint letter to EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton, Foreign Secretary William Hague and his German counterpart said Europe should adopt a united front on Libya.
They call on EU governments to agree not work or co-operate with Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
Earlier, Prime Minister David Cameron defended Hague against Labour criticism over Libya.
The letter, signed by Hague and Germany’s Guido Westerwelle, says Col Gaddafi “has to step aside to allow for a true democratic transformation of the country”.
Sources at the Foreign Office say this does not mean cutting formal diplomatic ties with Libya, but consideration is being given to further ways to “isolate” Col Gaddafi.
The letter continues: “The EU should agree to an ambitious, clear response with a series of concrete actions both for the short and longer term.”
Hague is calling for an EU declaration on Libya and the wider Middle East, covering humanitarian and economic assistance as well as the possibility of further sanctions.
When asked whether the letter marks an attempt by the UK to “get on the front foot on Libya”, a Foreign Office source said “we have always been on the front foot”.
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels on Thursday, and a Nato summit is also being held.
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