Annan “gravely concerned” amid Syrian escalation EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the new round of sanctions was necessary and had been designed to avoid affecting ordinary citizens|Syria is descending into a spiral of bloodshed, with U.N|”EU sanctions target those responsible for the appalling repression and violence against the civilian population.” But Edward Burke, a research fellow at the London-based Center for European Reform, said the practical impact of the ban on luxury items would be “zero.” “This is an existential fight for them — caviar or not,” Burke said}

(AP) BRUSSELS – The European Union sent a message Friday to the Syrian regime, which stands accused of killing thousands of its own citizens: No more caviar, fancy shoes or primo cigars for 메이저사이트 you until the violence stops.

The European Council says a ban will begin Sunday on exporting to Syria some luxury items or “dual use” goods that could be used for internal repression. Its statement listed some prime examples: caviar, shoes and clothing costing more than 600 euros ($750); gems and pearls; and cars costing more than 25,000 euros ($31,400). Also banned are gas masks and certain chemicals and toxins.

Syria is descending into a spiral of bloodshed, with U.N. observers reporting a sharp increase in violence in recent weeks. Activists say 14,000 people have been killed since March 2011, when an uprising began against President Bashar Assad and his regime responded with a violent crackdown.

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