EU criticises Libyan crackdown strategies

BRUSSELS (AP):

The European Union yesterday sharply criticised Libyan authorities over their crackdown against pro-democracy protesters, overcoming a split over how tough they should be in denouncing the teetering government of strongman Moammar Gadhafi.

The EU foreign ministers condemned "the ongoing repression against demonstrators in Libya and deplores the violence and death of civilians," said a statement released after the regular monthly meeting of the bloc's 27 foreign ministers.

EU President Herman Van Rompuy said in a separate statement he was "horrified by the growing number of human casualties among demonstrators."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton called for an immediate end to the use of force against protesters, adding that peaceful protests must be allowed.

"I hope the Libyan authorities will listen to that," she said.