EU imposes new sanctions against Syria

The governments of the EU countries today agreed on an additional package of financial sanctions against the Syrian leadership in connection with the suppression of opposition speeches in the country, Interfax reports .

Among the new sanctions is a ban on long-term trade relations, with the exception of food and medicine supplies, a ban on issuing loans to the Syrian government both within the framework of bilateral relations and through international organizations. In addition, Syrian banks are prohibited from opening branches in EU countries or entering into contracts with European banks.