Switzerland toughens sanctions against Syria

Switzerland on Friday adopted new sanctions against Syria, falling into line with decisions taken by the European Union, a statement from the economy ministry in Bern said. It also took action against two men suspected of links with Al-Qaeda and the taliban. Switzerland, which is not part of the EU, added 28 names to its existing list of supporters of President Bashar al-Assad. Their assets are frozen and they cannot get visas. In addition, two further Syrian companies are to be the subject of sanctions. The individuals added to the list of targeted Syrians are ministers, former ministers and close associates of Assad. The sanctions should take effect Saturday. The two Syrian companies are Megatrade and Expert Partners, which are suspected of buying weapons or material that could be used for repression. The EU decided on October 15 to increase to 181 the number of individuals close to the regime and to 54 the number of companies or institutions on its blacklist. At the same time it imposed an arms and oil embargo, a series of trade and financial sanctions, and a freeze on the assets of companies, institutions and regime members, who were also banned from travel to the EU. Switzerland followed suit. Another decree from the economy ministry identified Ayyub Bashir, of Uzbek and Afghan nationality, and Aaamir Ali Chaudry, a Pakistani national, as the two men whose assets are to be frozen because of alleged ties to Al-Qaeda or the taliban.