European Union announces new sanctions after latest Syrian gov't crackdown

[News_Editor]

European Union announces new sanctions after latest Syrian gov't crackdown

2011-08-01 20:00:14 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union (EU) on Monday decided to impose further restrictive measures on five Syrian individuals who are allegedly involved in or associated with the Syrian government's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters across the country.

The new sanctions come just a day after the Syrian government's most intense crackdown yet on protesters since unrest began earlier this year. The Syrian army's assault on Hama and other cities reportedly left more than 130 people killed, resulting in condemnation from the international community.

"On July 18, EU Foreign Ministers declared that until the unacceptable violence against civilians stops and decisive progress is achieved towards fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for a democratic transition, the EU will pursue its current policy, including sanctions against those responsible for or associated with the violent repression," Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, said on Monday.

She added: "Unfortunately, since then mass arrests, violence and the killing of civilians have continued and even escalated, as witnessed during the attacks on Hama and other Syrian cities during the weekend, which reportedly left more than 100 civilians dead. This shows that the Syrian leadership is unwilling to implement the reforms it has promised in response to the legitimate requests of the Syrian people."

As a result, Ashton said, the EU has decided to impose further restrictive measures, in the form of an assets freeze and travel ban, on five Syrian individuals who are allegedly involved in or associated with the government crackdown. No other details about the new targets were immediately available.

"I wish to remind the Syrian authorities of their responsibility to protect the population. The brutal violence creates a serious risk of escalating tension and factional divisions and is not consistent with broad reforms," Ashton added. "I urge the Syrian government to address the EU's repeated calls for freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, to release all political prisoners without further delay and institute a genuine and inclusive national dialogue."

Ashton warned that the European Union will continue to monitor the situation in Syria closely. "It will extend restrictive measures, should the Syrian leadership persist in its current path," she said.

Including Monday's new sanctions, a total of 35 individuals and government entities linked to President Bashar al-Assad were targeted by EU sanctions through its Official Journal. Other countries had earlier on Monday also called on the European Union to extend its sanctions.

Human rights groups have said that more than 1,500 people have died since the government crackdown on protesters began in mid-March and tens of thousands have been arrested. Global campaign group Avaaz said earlier that almost 3,000 people have also been forcibly disappeared.

In mid-March, pro-democracy demonstrations began in Syria and have continued across the country, which has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963. Protesters are demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over from his father in 2000.

Assad previously said that the recent events in the country are a conspiracy against national unity. The Syrian government has repeatedly claimed that the violent acts have been instigated by terrorists who use military uniforms and weaponry to pose as soldiers while attacking citizens.

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