Brussels, 23/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 23 June, the European Union extended its sanctions against Syria, imposing a travel ban and asset freeze on seven additional people and four companies linked to the regime, a statement said. The sanctions were the third round in a series slapped on President Bashir Al-Assad and his associates over the violent crackdown on the civil uprising in Syria. The measures targeted people “who were identified as being responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population. The decision also imposed an embargo on arms and equipment which might be used for internal repression”, the statement said. It means that 30 people, including the Syrian president, are now subject to EU sanctions. The measures will take effect on Friday 24 June when they are published in the EU Official Journal. (LoC)