LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters) – Britain imposed sanctions on Friday on individuals and organisations it said were linked to violence perpetrated against civilians in Syria, including some who financially supported former president Bashar al-Assad’s government.
While Britain has eased some sanctions on Syria as the country seeks to rebuild after the collapse of the Assad regime a year ago, it said it was taking action against those who were trying to undermine peace in the Middle Eastern country.
The government measures announced on Friday are targeted at individuals involved in coastal violence in Syria in March, as well as historic violence committed during the country’s civil war, the statement said.
“Accountability and justice for all Syrians is vital to ensure a successful and sustainable political settlement in Syria,” foreign minister Yvette Cooper said.
The sanctions, a combination of asset freezes and travel bans, targeted four individuals and three organisations, while two individuals who gave financial backing to the Assad regime are also being sanctioned.
(Reporting by William James; writing by Muvija M and Sarah Young Editing by Gareth Jones)
