EU governments agree to extend sanctions against Syria

EU governments agree in principle to extend sanctions to another five Syrian persons, adding to Assad and other officials sanctioned earlier

European Union governments agreed in principle on Thursday to extend sanctions against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, EU diplomats said.
The EU wants to increase pressure on Assad to end a crackdown against demonstrators. It has already imposed restrictive measures against him and at least two dozen officials, and has targeted military-linked companies in Syria.
Under Thursday's agreement, five more people will be targeted with restrictions such as asset freezes and a travel ban.
"There is a principal agreement to extend the list of sanctioned persons by five," an EU diplomat said, declining to give details of the individuals targeted.
Once formally approved by EU envoys, the sanctions will come into effect early next week.