Moscow denies EU Syria sanctions

Russia announced on Saturday that it will not participate in the EU sanctions against Syria and will not allow the inspection of ships sailing under its flag, RIA Novosti reported today. "Russia totally rejects unilateral sanctions against Syria," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich adding that the implementation of these sanctions is considered a violation of the sovereignty of states, and it is also inconsistent with the mandate of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security in the world. "We have no intention to take part in any measures in pursuit of the EU decisions aimed against Syria," Alexander Lukashevich said in remarks on Saturday, adding "we will not agree to the inspection of ships sailing under the Russian flag or the use of any other restriction measures against them." The European Union approved a new set of sanctions against Syria on Monday, including a tougher arms embargo, in response to the escalating violence in the country. The EU also decided to extend the existing EU blacklist by adding 26 people, mainly military and intelligence officials, and 3 companies with links to the Syrian government, including Syrian Air.