LONDON (MCT) — The European Union slapped new sanctions on Syria on Monday, trying to tighten an economic vise around the violent regime of President Bashar Assad.
Following on similar measures in recent months, EU foreign ministers agreed to freeze the assets of several Syrian officials, impose sanctions on the country’s central bank and halt purchases of gold and gems. Syrian cargo flights are also to be banned from the EU.
The 27-nation union has already enacted sanctions against other senior Syrian leaders and state enterprises. The effects have yet to be seen, but EU leaders say that they are trying to apply as much diplomatic and economic pressure as they can against the Assad regime. Thousands of people have been reported killed by Assad’s forces since anti-government protests erupted a year ago.
