EU adds four Syrians to sanctions list for developing CWs

BRUSSELS, March 19 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) added Monday 4 persons to the list of those targeted by EU sanctions against the Syrian regime.
The EU added these four persons for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons against the civilian population, in line with the EU's policy to fight the proliferation and use of chemical weapon, said a statement issued by the EU Foreign Affairs Council which is meeting here today.
These persons include a high-ranking military official and three scientists working at the Scientific Studies and Research Centre, the government entity responsible for developing and producing non-conventional weapons, including chemical weapons, and the missiles to deliver them.
This entity has been under EU sanctions since 1 December 2011.
Todayآ’s decision brings to 261 persons the total number of persons targeted by a travel ban and an assets 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.
In addition, 67 entities are targeted by an assets 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 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.
These measures were last extended on 29 May 2017 and are in place until 1 June 2018. (end) nk.mt