Syria: Stepping up the pressure

Against the backdrop of the Syrian regime's continued use of violence against civilians, Foreign Affairs ministers at the EU Council's meeting on 27 February 2012 decided to ratchet up the pressure on the Syrian regime by reinforcing the restrictive measures already in place.

© Fotolia, Floki Fotos

Among the new measures are an asset freeze on the Syrian Central Bank, banning transactions of gold, diamonds and precious metals. Also, cargo flights operated by Syrian carriers are barred from flying to EU airports, and seven ministers of the Syrian government were made subject to  restrictive measures such as an asset freeze and a visa ban.

It was stressed that "the EU will continue its policy of imposing additional measures targeting the regime, not the civilian population, as long as repression continues" and "that those responsible for the violence across Syria will be held accountable".

Reiterating the EU's strong concerns as regards the deteriorating living conditions in the areas affected by the unrest, ministers stated that "the Syrian authorities must immediately alleviate the suffering of the population" and "allow full and unimpeded access of relief personnel from humanitarian organisations".

More information:
Council conlusions on Syria (pdf)
Council tightens restrictive measures against the Syrian regime - Press flash (pdf)
Remarks by HR Catherine Ashton upon arrival (pdf)
Press conference (video, several languages)
Press conference, doorsteps etc. (videos)
EU External Action website on Syria