Norway aligns itself with extended EU restrictive measures against Syria

 “The situation in Syria is deteriorating. This means that even stronger reactions are required from the international community. Norway has therefore decided to align itself with the EU’s strengthened measures against Syria, which now also target the highest level of political leadership in the country,” Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented.

On 23 May, the EU decided to extend the restrictive measures against Syria adopted on 9 May to the highest level of leadership in Syria. The measures include an assets freeze, visa ban and an embargo on exports to Syria of arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression.

The demonstrations in Syria are continuing, and dozens of protesters lost their lives at the weekend. Several hundred people have been killed in the demonstrations that began in the middle of March, and many more have been injured or arrested.

“Norway deplores the continued use of violence by the Syrian authorities,” Mr Støre said. “We urge the Syrian authorities to end the use of violence against protesters immediately, to allow peaceful demonstrations, release political prisoners and enter into dialogue with the opposition. For every person killed, the chances of this happening diminish further. President Assad must either lead the transition to democracy or step down.”