Syria: EU adds 17 ministers and Central Bank Governor to sanctions list

On 14 November 2016, the Council added 17 ministers and the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria to the list of those targeted by EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime 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.

This decision follows the Council conclusions of 17 October 2016 and the European Council conclusions of 20-21 October 2016. This decision brings to 235 the total number of persons subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria.

In addition, 69 entities are targeted by an asset 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 within 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 27 May 2016 and are in place until 1 June 2017.

The EU remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Syria, as there is no military solution to the Syrian civil war. The EU is determined to save lives and continues its intense humanitarian diplomatic effort to deliver aid to Aleppo and wherever needed, and to evacuate the wounded.

The legal acts adopted by the Council, including the names of the persons concerned, are published in the Official Journal of 14 November 2016.