EU Extends Sanctions against Syria Regime
The Council of the European Union has extended until June 1,
2020 sanctions imposed on the Syrian regime.
The Council said in a statement, a copy of which was
obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, that the decision was in line with the EU strategy
on Syria.
“The EU decided to maintain its restrictive measures against
the Syrian regime and its supporters as the repression of civilian population
continues,” it said on Friday.
“The Council also removed 5 deceased persons from the list,
as well as one entity which ceased to exist and one entity for which there were
no longer grounds to keep it under restrictive measures. The list now includes
270 persons and 70 entities targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze for
being responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population in
Syria, benefiting from or supporting the regime, and/or being associated with
such persons or entities,” said the statement.
“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 held in 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,” it added.
EU sanctions were first imposed on December 1, 2011 and are
subject to an annual review.
“The EU remains committed to finding a lasting and credible
political solution to the conflict in Syria as defined in the UN Security
Council resolution 2254 and in the 2012 Geneva Communique,” said the Council.
