EU to ban luxury goods export to Syria

BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) on Friday said it would ban exports of luxury commodities, and goods with potential military applications to Syria, in another effort to keep up pressure on the Syrian regime.

The ban will come into force on Sunday.

"The measures concern in particular certain additional equipment, goods and technology that may be used for manufacturing and maintaining goods that may be used for internal repression," said a EU statement.

"The export to Syria of such items is prohibited or will require prior authorization," it said.

Luxury goods subject to the EU export ban to Syria include luxury vehicles, planes and boats, as well as leather goods, garments and shoes. Jewelry, gems, crystal glassware, in addition to caviar, truffles, and expensive wines are also on the list.

"In the current situation, the EU must keep up the pressure on the Syrian regime," said Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

"EU sanctions target those responsible for the appalling repression and violence against the civilian population. We have carefully calibrated today's decisions to avoid affecting the Syrian people. We strongly support them in this time of suffering," she said.

The EU adopted the 15th round of sanctions against Syria on May 15, including assets freeze and visa bans on two firms and three people that financially supported the currently Syrian government. So far, a total of 128 persons and 43 firms in Syria are on the EU sanctions list.