Syria: European Union Extends Sanctions

On Tuesday, the European Union agreed to extend sanctions against Syria to four military-linked firms and seven individuals, including three Iranians, that are linked to the violence against the anti-government protests.  The individuals and firms will be added to a list of 23 people and entities that are under an EU asset freeze and travel ban.  President Bashar al-Assad was added to that list in May.

On Wednesday, Walid al-Moallem, Syria’s foreign minister gave a speech denouncing the sanctions and warned against the international community’s involvement claiming that it would result in a shift from Syria’s future cooperation with the West.  Moallem also claimed that the sanctions were “targeting the livelihood of the Syrian citizens” and “tantamount to war.”