Syria: Council strengthens EU sanctions once again

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Syria: Council strengthens EU sanctions once again

15-05-2012

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, EU foreign ministers on Monday decided to step up restrictive measures against the Syrian regime once again. The decision freezes the assets of two entities financially supporting the regime and targets three additional persons with a travel ban and an asset freeze.

"The EU sanctions target the Syrian regime, not the civilian population. As long as the repression continues, we will continue to put pressure on those responsible for it," said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.

This is the fifteenth time the EU has imposed restrictive measures against the Syrian regime since the start of the violent repression against the civilian population.

“Today's decisions bring the total number of persons subject to sanctions to 128 whereas 43 entities are now affected by an EU asset freeze,” said a press release from the Council of the European Union.

The legal acts, including the list of additional designations, will be published in the EU Official Journal of 15 May 2012.

In conclusions on Syria adopted following a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 14 May, “the EU reiterates its call on the Syrian authorities to fully and immediately comply with the joint UN-League of Arab States Special Envoy Kofi Annan’s plan as endorsed by United Nations Security Council resolutions 2042 and 2043 and abide by all their commitments to the UN”. They add that “the EU is deeply concerned about the continued violence in Syria, including the recent deadly bomb attacks, notably the ones in Damascus on 10 May. Acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances”. (EU Neighbourhood Info)

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Press release

Council conclusions

EU Neighbourhood Info Centre - Ashton: Syrian government failing to meet commitments amid continuing violence

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