27/05/2021 (Agence Europe) – The Council of the EU extended its sanctions against the Syrian regime for one year, until 1 June 2022, on Thursday 27 May. 283 individuals are now subject to an asset freeze and travel ban in the EU and 70 entities are subject to an asset freeze. Five people, who have died, were removed from the sanctions list. The restrictive measures also include an oil import ban, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze on Central Bank of Syria assets held in the EU and restrictions on the export of equipment and technology that could be used for internal repression as well as equipment and technology to monitor or intercept internet or telephone communications. The sanctions were first adopted in 2011 in response to the crackdown on civilians. (CG)