Canada lifts sanctions against Libya

PARIS, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Canadian sanctions against Libya were lifted Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced at a summit in Paris.

International leaders met at the conference to discuss helping Libya's National Transitional Council stabilize the country after seven months of armed rebellion that fought to end Moammar Gadhafi's 42 years in power.

"Canada is taking this first step to remove our unilateral sanctions that were put in place against the Gadhafi regime in order to assist the Libyan people transition justly, safely and securely towards a democracy," Harper said. "We will continue to work with our international partners and allies to help ensure support for the people of Libya as they chart their own democratic course."

Canada imposed the economic sanctions in February, barring Canadian individuals and companies from any dealings in Libya.

Earlier in the day while speaking to Canadian soldiers at a military airbase in Trapani, Italy, a staging area for NATO forces working in Libya, Harper said intelligence reports indicated fighting would continue in the North African country for some time.