Written question asked by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 27 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 June 2011. It was answered by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 July 2011 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Syria: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of sanctions on Syria.

Answer: The EU restrictive measures impose an asset freeze and travel ban on 30 individuals (including President Assad) and an asset freeze on four entities. They are targeted against those persons responsible for violence and repression against the civilian population in Syria, and their associates. The EU measures also include an arms embargo and restrictions on the supply of equipment which might be used for internal repression. We judge that the sanctions have been effective in targeting key members of the Syrian regime and their associates. These measures will continue to apply so long as the individuals and entities listed continue to meet the criteria.

Secondary information