Libya Shuts Door on Europe

Libya has suspended the issuing of entry visas to European citizens - apart from British nationals - an official at the country's main international airport said.

When asked to confirm reports of the move, the official, who did not want to be identified, said: "This is right. This decision has been taken. No visas for Europeans, except Britain."

No explanation was given for the suspension, and there was no immediate confirmation from the Libyan government.

However, the move follows a row that began with the arrest of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son and daughter-in-law in Switzerland in July 2008.

The charges, of mistreating two domestic employees, were later dropped.

Libya then halted oil exports to Switzerland, withdrew billions of dollars of assets from Swiss banks and put two Swiss businessmen working in Libya on trial for visa violations and other offences.

Italy's Foreign Ministry confirmed the measure and said it was in retaliation for Switzerland's recent decision to publish a blacklist of 180 Libyans banned from entering the country.

Libyan media reports claimed Switzerland had drawn up a visa blacklist that included Gaddafi and his family, adding that Libya would take "severe measures" in response.

An Italian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said: "The Libyan response to the Swiss decision has affected all the countries of the Schengen zone.

"Contacts are under way between the countries of the zone to co-ordinate over this measure."

Aa report in Libya's Oea newspaper, which has close ties to one of Gaddafi's sons, was quoted as saying Libya would stop issuing visas to citizens of countries in the Schengen area, which includes non-European Union member Switzerland.- Upstream