Obama signs executive order to impose sanctions against Libyan govt.

WASHINGTON. February 26. KAZINFORM U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday signed an Executive Order regarding sanctions against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, his government and family, and sent a letter to Congress on the matter. Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.

"I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, find that Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, his government, and close associates have taken extreme measures against the people of Libya, including by using weapons of war, mercenaries, and wanton violence against unarmed civilians," the Executive Order reads.

"I further find that there is a serious risk that Libyan state assets will be misappropriated by Gaddafi, members of his government, members of his family, or his close associates if those assets are not protected," it said. "I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat."

In line with the order, all property and bank accounts of Gaddafi, his government and four relatives are blocked, and a ban is introduced on all banking operations with the Libyan government.

According to international organizations, at least 2,000 people have been killed and thousands wounded in clashes with government forces since protests against Gaddafi's regime began on February 15. Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru