European Union imposes restrictive measures against Syria

[News_Editor]

European Union imposes restrictive measures against Syria

2011-05-10 04:57:05 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union on Monday imposed a series of restrictive measures against the Syrian government due to the violent repression on the civilian population.

The European Council adopted a regulation that provides for an embargo on exports to Syria of arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression, as well as a visa ban and an assets freeze.

"The EU has decided to impose restrictive measures against Syria and persons responsible for the violent repression," said Catherine Ashton, EU's High Representative. "The aim of these measures is to achieve a change of policy by the Syrian leadership without further delay."

The EU's visa ban and assets freeze targets a list of thirteen individuals, including officials and associates of the Syrian government, who were identified as being responsible for the violent crackdown on protesters.

"The EU measures respond to the escalation of the Syrian authorities' violent crackdown, including by military means, that has led to the killing, injury or arrest of Syrian citizens for their participation in peaceful protests," added the High Representative.

According to Amnesty International, more than 500 people have been killed during the clashes and thousands more were rounded up for questioning. In the last four days, 48 citizens have been killed by Syrian security forces.

"The EU calls again President Bashar Al-Assad to choose the path of reform and national inclusive dialogue and avoid further bloodshed whilst the door remains open," said Ashton.

Finally, Ashton added that the measures could be extended according to the developments in Damascus. The EU ahs repeatedly called on al-Assad to put an immediate end to violence and introduce political reforms that provide peace and stability.

Protesters have been demanding the ouster of President al-Assad, who took over the post from his father Hafez al-Assad in 2000, and calling for greater freedoms. The country has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963.

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