Guinea junta faces EU sanctions

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.

Sources told the BBC there had been a "consensus" between voting members that the action was necessary.

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.

'Travel ban'

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.

Now EU sanctions and arms embargo could come as early as next week, reports the BBC's Chris Mason, in Brussels.

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.

Last week, the EU's development chief Karel de Gucht said Capt Moussa Dadis Camara should be put on trial for crimes against humanity.

Guinea's previous government was overthrown in a bloodless coup last December, after the death of former head of state Lansana Conte, who had ruled the country since 1984.