Guinea junta faces EU sanctions

Brussels, 22 Oct-(ANA)-Guinea's military junta is facing the prospect of an arms embargo imposed by the European Union, reports say.

EU member states are believed to have voted on the decision on Wednesday, although it still has to be formalised.

The move comes after 150 unarmed opposition supporters were killed by soldiers in the capital, Conakry. A UN investigation has already begun.

During the unrest Guinean troops opened fire on opposition protesters angry that the country's military leader, Capt Moussa Dadis Camara, intends to run for president early next year.

It was claimed women were stripped and raped in the streets during the protest.

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has already imposed an arms embargo on Guinea over the killings.

France also quickly suspended military ties with Conakry.

Leaders also face a travel ban and a freeze on financial assets once the sanctions are signed by foreign ministers.

According to draft conclusions, the EU decided to target members of Guinea's junta and their associates, "responsible for the violent crackdown or the political stalemate in the country," the AFP news agency reported. (ANA)

FA/ANA/22 October 2009----