Brussels, 01/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 1st September, the European Union decided to lift its sanctions (asset freeze) against 28 Libyan economic entities in order to help to make the economy of the country function again. This decision concerns Libyan ports as well as companies operating in the banking and energy sectors. The names of the 28 entities concerned will be published on Friday 2 September in the EU Official Journal. The announcement of the lifting of EU sanctions came shortly before a conference of the “friends of Libya”, organised in Paris by French President Nicolas Sarkozy (see related article). “The EU has acted swiftly in the light of the developments on the ground”, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton. She promised that the EU would remain a “strong and committed partner for the Libyan people and continue to examine all possible measures in support of Libya”. In total, nearly 50 entities were targeted by EU sanctions as a way to punish Muammar Gaddafi's regime. The decision (which amends Decision 2011/137/CFSP concerning restrictive measures given the situation in Libya) was taken on Thursday by written procedure by the EU Council of Ministers. (L.C./transl.jl)