New EU sanctions: All financial flows to Syrian government closedThe head of the European Union has approved the introduction of additional
financial sanctions against the Syrian government headed by PresidentBashar al-Assad, a source in diplomatic circles told Reuters.
The new sanctions include a ban on long-term financial assistance in
the field of trade, except in areas related to medicine and food.
The issuing of loans, including through international financial
institutions, was also stopped.
Under the new sanctions Syrian banks are not allowed to open branches
in the EU or to invest in European banks.
"All these measures have been taken in order to stop all financial
flows to the government of Syria," the diplomat said.
The EU also decided to expand the list of individuals forbidden fromthe entry to the European Union and institutions and companies whose
accounts will be frozen.
