Switzerland says it is extending sanctions against Syria to include President Bashar al-Assad and other senior officials, in a move that follows the European Union.
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The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) said on Tuesday evening that it would add Assad and nine other senior members of the Syrian government to a list of those banned from travelling to Switzerland and subject to asset freezes.
The measures will take effect from May 25, Seco was quoted as saying on news agencies. The EU extended its sanctions on Monday.
Syria has already denounced the European move against its president, saying the measures would “harm the Syrian people”.
Last week Switzerland took its cue from the EU in imposing travel bans and asset freezes against 13 members of the Syrian regime.
Switzerland has blocked assets of the former Tunisian and Egyptian leaders and their entourages as well as those of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and his family.
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