Syria conflict
(BRUSSELS) – The EU widened restrictive measures against the Syrian regime to another ten people Thursday, for being responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria.
The ten are also accused of benefiting from or supporting the regime, and/or being associated with it.
The decision follows Council conclusions of 17 October and the EU summit conclusions of 20-21 October.
Those added to the list include high-ranking military officials and senior figures linked to the regime. The latest decision brings to 217 persons the total number of persons targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria.
In addition, 69 entities are targeted by an asset freeze. More broadly, sanctions currently in place against Syria include an oil embargo, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU, export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression as well as on equipment and technology for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. These measures were last extended on 27 May 2016 and are in place until 1 June 2017.
The EU says it remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Syria, as there is no military solution to the Syrian civil war. It is also determined to save lives and continues its intense humanitarian diplomatic effort to deliver aid to Aleppo and wherever needed, and to evacuate the wounded.
The legal acts adopted by the Council, including the names of the persons concerned, are published in the Official Journal of 28 October 2016. The decision was adopted by written procedure.
European Council conclusions on external relations, 20 October 2016
