The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Council extends sanctions against the regime for another year

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime for an additional year, until 1 June 2023, in light of  its continued repression of the civilian population in the country.

The Council also removed from the list three persons. The list now includes 289 persons targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze.

Sanctions in place against Syria were introduced in 2011, in response to the violent repression of the civilian population. They also target companies and prominent business people benefitting from their ties with the regime and the war economy. Restrictive measures also include a ban on the import of oil, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian Central Bank held in the EU, and 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.

As part of the EU’s targeted approach to the use of sanctions, Syria sanctions are designed to avoid impeding the supply of humanitarian assistance. Consequently, the export of food, medicines or medical equipment are not subject to EU sanctions, and a number of specific exceptions are foreseen for humanitarian purposes.

The EU keeps developments in the Syrian conflict under constant review and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted entities or persons based on developments on the ground.

The EU remains committed to finding a lasting and credible political solution to the conflict in Syria on the basis of the UN Security Council resolution 2254 and of the 2012 Geneva Communiqué.

 

 

 

Source: The Council of the EU and the European Council

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the Observatory.