Visa Ban On 23 European Nations

Libya has issued a visa ban on approximately 23 European nations currently in the Schengen zone amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute with Switzerland. Libya imposed the ban in response to a reported Swiss blacklist that bans 180 Libyan leaders and the Gaddafi family from entry into Switzerland. Libyan officials summoned Schengen zone diplomats and representatives and presented the visa ban decision. EU officials indicated that it is currently unclear if diplomats will be required to leave the nation. The new policy is reportedly in place and is being enforced at all border entry points into the nation. Switzerland and Tripoli have been embroiled in a political row since 2008 when Switzerland briefly detained Libyan leader Muammar Khadafy's son on charges of abusing domestic servants. Although the charges have since been dropped and the Swiss issued an apology for the incident, Libya has continued to take periodic retaliatory measures against the Swiss for the incident.