EU extends Syria sanctions

European Union states agreed on Tuesday to extend sanctions against Syria to four military-linked firms and more people connected with the violent suppression of anti-government protests, an EU diplomat said. Lists prepared by Britain and France proposed adding fewer than a dozen individuals and entities to those already targeted by asset freezes and visa bans, the diplomat said.
The British list also proposed sanctions against at least two Iranian individuals involved in providing equipment and support for the suppression of dissent in Syria, but one of the 27 member states had yet to approve this, the diplomat said. The full list would be approved if no formal objection was raised by 0800 GMT on Wednesday, the diplomat said.