EU extends sanctions against Syrian regime

BRUSSELS, May 28 (KUNA) -- The European Union Council of Ministers Thursday extended EU sanctions against the Syrian regime for one additional year, until 1 June 2021.
The Council in a statement said the EU decided to maintain its sanctions against the Syrian regime and its supporters, as the repression of the civilian population continues.
The Council also removed from the sanctions list two persons and one company which halted their sanctionable behaviour, as well as two deceased persons.
The list now includes 273 persons targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze.
EU sanctions currently in place against Syria were introduced in 2011, in response to the violent repression by the Syrian regime of its civilian population.
The measures also include a ban on the import of oil, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian central bank held in the EU, and export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression.
They also include equipment and technology for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. (end) nk.bs