Libya imposes 'total' trade embargo on Switzerland

"Libya has decided to impose a total embargo on all economic and commercial exchanges with Switzerland," Baayou said on Wednesday.

He said the country would "adopt alternative [sources] for medicines and medical and industrial equipment" imported from Switzerland.

Last week, Gadhafi described Switzerland, which had recently imposed a ban on the construction of minarets following a national referendum , as "infidel, obscene state which is destroying mosques" and called for the Islamic world to "boycott" the country.

It is against unbelieving and apostate Switzerland that jihad (holy war) ought to be proclaimed by all means," he said in a live television broadcast, adding "any Muslim around the world who has dealings with Switzerland is an infidel [and is] against Islam, against Mohammed, against God, against the Koran."

The day after Gadhafi's call, U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the Lybian leader's declaration reminded him of "one of the more memorable sessions of the UN General Assembly", in which Gadhafi delivered a speech, strongly criticizing the organization, Kazinform refers to Xinhuanet.

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