UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council moved Saturday to halt Libyan leader Moammar Khadafy’s deadly crackdown on protesters, slapping sanctions on him, his five children and 10 top associates.
Voting unanimously after day-long discussions, the council imposed an asset freeze and a travel ban on the whole Khadafy family along with 10 other close associates. The council also backed an arms embargo.
Council members also agreed 15-0 to refer the Khadafy regime’s deadly crackdown on people protesting his rule to a permanent war-crimes tribunal for an investigation of possible crimes against humanity.
The council said its actions were aimed at “deploring the gross and systematic violation of human rights, including the repression of peaceful demonstrators.” The members also expressed concern about civilian deaths.
Also Saturday, President Barack Obama said in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Khadafy needs to do what is right for his country by “leaving now.” The Associated Press
