Brussels, 02/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - The new sanctions imposed by the EU against Syria with a view to halting the repression there were published on Friday 2 December in the EU Official Journal (see EUROPE 10507).
The EU has stepped up restrictions in the following areas: - energy: embargo on exports to Syria of key equipment and technology to the Syrian oil and gas sectors; - financial: prohibition for European financial institutions to open up branches or accounts in Syria and for Syrian banks to open up new agencies or branches on EU territory; - and trade: restrictions on the financial support provided by EU member states to foster trade with Syria (especially in relation to the provision of export insurance, guarantees and credits).
Twelve individuals and 11 new economic entities, including three Syrian oil companies (Sytrol, GPC and its subsidiary Al Furat), the television channel Cham TV, and the daily Al Watan, have been added to the list of individuals and entities targeted by the assets freeze and visa ban. There are now 86 persons and 30 entities, who have participated in the crackdown and in its financing, that are targeted by the sanctions. (LC/transl.jl)