NZ to follow UN sanctions

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Prime Minister John Key says New Zealand will impose sanctions on Libya in accordance with the United Nations resolution.

However, he said New Zealand's bilateral links to Libya - dairy exports worth $51 million in 2010 and an education exchange programme - were outside the scope of the sanctions, although the education programme had been put on hold and was being reviewed.

The Government is advising against all travel to Libya, and for New Zealanders there to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.

About 35 New Zealanders have fled the country in recent weeks, but four have decided to stay behind.

Mr Key said the Government supported the United Nations' actions.

"They are necessary, proportionate, and legal.

It is clear from Colonel Gaddafi's actions over the past few weeks that something must be done to stop his brutal attacks on his own people."