EU freezes Syrian bank's assets

The European Union is continuing to put pressure on Syria to end the widespread violations of human rights. On 13 October the Council froze the assets of the Commercial Bank of Syria, a state-owned bank providing financial support for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad which is responsible for the violent repression.

© Fotolia, Floki Fotos

"Our measures are not aimed at the Syrian people, but aim to deprive the regime of financial revenues," said Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

According to the UN, more than 3 000 people, including children, have died since the beginning of the unrest in Syria in March. The violent crackdown has included killing, mass arrest and torture of civilians and peaceful protestors and their relatives.

This latest set of sanctions adopted by the Council brings to nineteen the number of entities targeted by EU restrictive measures.

"The EU will consider further measures in the light of developments, to support the Syrian people as they seek to decide their country's future through peaceful and democratic means," said Catherine Ashton.

On 10 October, Council conclusions welcomed the efforts of the political opposition in Syria to set up a united platform and considered the creation of the Syrian National Council as a positive step forward.

More information:
Full text of the legal act on restrictive measures (pdf)
Council tightens EU sanctions on Syria - Press flash (pdf)
HR statement on the situation in Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain (on Europa server)
Council conclusions on Syria (pdf)
EU External Action website on Syria
Frequently Asked Questions on EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime (pdf)