Australia calls for halt on Libya imports

Release Date: 2011-03-14

The Australian government has called on the country’s refiners to avoid buying oil that could fund Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson wrote to Australian refiners seeking their cooperation in halting the flow of Libyan oil entering the country.

“This latest initiative aims to bring additional pressure to bear on Gaddafi and to choke off funding to his regime” Rudd said.

“While Libyan crude oil imports have historically represented around 2% of Australia’s oil intake, this move sends another signal to Tripoli that the international community will not stand by as Gaddafi continues to harm the Libyan people.”

Ferguson also reminded refiners of targeted travel and financial sanctions against Gaddafi and key members of his regime which were imposed by the Australian government last month.

“The refiners have also been asked to avoid any breach of Australian laws giving effect to UN Security Council and Australian autonomous financial sanctions against named regime figures,” Ferguson said.

Rudd added that Australia, along with other nations around the world, was continuing to explore options to place further pressure on the Gaddafi regime.

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