Norway aligns itself with EU sanctions against Syria

Norway has decided to align itself with the EU’s sanctions against Syria. “Norway supports international efforts to bring an end to the unacceptable use of violence against the Syrian people,” commented Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The sanctions include an assets freeze, travel restrictions, and an embargo on exports to Syria of arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression. At this point, the sanctions target 13 key figures in the Syrian regime, including President Bashar al-Assad’s brother and cousin.

The sanctions are a response to the Syrian authorities’ use of military force against peaceful demonstrations. The lack of access for independent observers, not least journalists, makes establishing the exact figures difficult, but it is feared that between 600 and 700 people have lost their lives and at least 8000 have been arrested since the demonstrations began in Syria in the middle of March. 

“President Assad and the Syrian authorities must end the use of violence immediately, and open the way for a political process that can lead to free elections. This is the only way in which Syria can achieve peace and long-term stability,” Mr Støre said.

Syria has recently withdrawn its candidacy for membership of the UN Human Rights Council. In response to considerable international pressure, the Asia Group at the UN nominated Kuwait as its candidate, to replace Syria.

“This is an important and welcome development, which strengthens the credibility of the UN and the Human Rights Council and confirms their ability to champion human rights,” Mr Støre said.