The European Union adopted fresh sanctions against Syria’s military brass on Monday, adding more security officials on a growing list of people and firms hit by a travel ban and asset freeze. EU foreign ministers, who renewed their call for President Bashar al-Assad to step down, targeted 22 people and eight companies in this 11th round of EU sanctions to protest the ongoing repression in Syria. “Today’s decision will put further pressure on those who are responsible for the unacceptable violence and repression in Syria,” said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. “The message from the European Union is clear: the crackdown must stop immediately. We will continue to do all we can to help the Syrian people achieve their legitimate political rights,” she said.
