EU Foreign Affairs Chief Catherine Ashton on further steps against Syria

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 19 August 2011

A 322/11

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton

on the broadening of restrictive measures against

the government of Syria

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and

Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:

"Yesterday I stated on behalf of the European Union that we would take further action in response

to developments in Syria. The escalation of the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters and the

intensifying large-scale use of indiscriminate military force have shown the complete loss of the

Syrian regime's legitimacy, and the necessity for Bashar al-Assad to step aside. In the face of these

outrageous developments the EU announced an upcoming broadening of its sanctions against the

Syrian regime, as had also been foreseen by the EU Foreign Ministers in July.

Today, the European Union has reached political agreement on the addition of twenty Syrian

individuals or entities to the list of those targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban. I expect to see

their designation finalised and published in the coming days.

Moreover, political agreement has been reached to extend the scope of the EU restrictive measures

against the regime, while minimising potential negative impacts on the Syrian people. Proposals

are now being prepared for an embargo on the import of Syrian crude oil into the European Union;

suspending the technical assistance of the European Investment Bank; and imposing an asset freeze

and travel ban on those benefiting from or supporting the regime's policies. These will be examined

in the Council early next week.

The European Union continues to aim at putting an end to the brutal repression and assisting the

Syrian people to achieve their legitimate aspirations."

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P R E S S

FOR FURTHER DETAILS:

Michael Mann +32 498 999 780 - +32 2 299 97 80 - [email protected]

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 - +32 2 298 65 70 - [email protected]

[email protected]

www.eeas.europa.eu

EN

بيان الممثلة العليا كاثرين أشتون حول توسيع العقوبات الأوروبية على حكومة النظام السوري بعد تصاعد العنف.