Brussels, Sep 2 (IANS) The European Union (EU) Friday imposed a ban on importing Syrian oil by itself, in a step towards tightening its noose around Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s regime.
‘The prohibition concerns purchase, import and transport of oil and other petroleum products from Syria. No financial or insurance services may be provided for such transactions,’ said an EU statement.
Besides, the EU Council has added four more Syrians and three entities to the list of those targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban.
The EU at the same time has given exemption to the asset freeze for humanitarian purposes, such as the delivery of medical supplies, food or the evacuation of foreign nationals from Syria.
‘The arms embargo imposed on Syria on May 9 continues to remain in place,’ said the statement.
The Assad government’s crackdown on protesters is estimated to have killed at least 2,000 civilians since demonstrations began in Syria five months ago.
