Iran Revolutionary Guard leaders face EU sanctions over Syria

Jun 24, 2011, 7:22 GMT

Brussels - The European Union on Friday hit three top officials in Iran's Revolutionary Guard with travel bans and asset freezes for 'providing equipment and support' to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for its ongoing repression of protesters.

The general commander of the Iranian military force, the commander of its Quds special unit and the deputy commander of its intelligence wing are now prohibited from traveling to the EU and any assets they may have in the bloc are blocked.

Iran, which is subject to separate EU sanctions for its refusal to negotiate on its nuclear programme and for human rights violations, has long been an ally of Syria.

The new sanctions had been agreed earlier this week, but didn't go into force until Friday, when they were listed in the EU's official journal. They follow a speech in which al-Assad on Monday promised reforms and national dialogue, but was deemed insufficient.

They take to 30 the number of people targeted by restrictive measures in connection with the Syria crackdown - including al-Assad himself. Local rights groups say the violence against anti-regime demonstrators has left more than 1,300 people dead.

Also added on Friday were Syria's head of presidential security and the director of its Military Housing Establishment, a public works company. Both are cousins of al-Assad.

The new sanctions also extended to two business associates of one of al-Assad's brothers who the EU says help fund the regime.

Additionally, the Syrian restrictive measures for the first time targeted entities on Friday, with four companies run by al-Assad associates - including the Military Housing Establishment - hit with asset freezes.

The new sanctions came as EU leaders gathered in Brussels for the second day of a summit that is expected to include a discussion on Syria.

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