Norway aligns itself with new EU sanctions against Syria

“Norway is aligning itself with the EU’s reinforced sanctions against Syria,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.  

On Monday the EU agreed to impose further sanctions against Syria. The measures extend the existing freeze on assets and travel restrictions to include additional individuals and organisations in Syria. The new measures also prohibit the import into the EU of weapons from Syria and any EU involvement in the transport of Syrian arms. They also include a ban on supplying financial services to Syrian arms exports. In addition, under the new measures all flights operated by Syrian Arab Airlines will be denied access to airports in the EU. Norway is now aligning itself with the EU’s tightened sanctions. 

“The situation in Syria is extremely serious. The new sanctions are a further step in tightening the pressure on the Syrian authorities to change course. It is vital that the international community stands together as far as possible in this situation,” Mr Eide said. 

This is the 19^th time the EU has imposed new or tighter sanctions on Damascus since the first protests took place in March 2011. A total of 181 individuals and 54 organisations are now affected by these targeted sanctions. Norway has aligned itself with all EU sanctions against Syria.  

In addition to its political efforts, Norway provides considerable humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons in and around Syria.   

“Norway is taking steps to improve the situation of the civilian population in Syria. So far this year we have allocated NOK 200 million to humanitarian efforts in Syria and to support Syrian refugees in rest of the region,” said Mr Eide.