EU to ramp up Syria sanctions as speech disappoints officials

The EU expressed disappointment at a speech by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday and said it was preparing to expand its sanctions on Syria in response to worsening violence against his opponents.

“The EU is actively preparing to expand its restrictive measures … with a view to achieving a fundamental change of policy by the Syrian leadership without delay,” a statement agreed by EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg said.

EU diplomats said they expected the broader sanctions — including further asset freezes and restrictions on companies associated with individuals linked to the repression — would be approved by the time

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