EU slaps sanctions on Assad’s family

The EU slapped sanctions on the mother, sister and influential wife of Syrian President Bashar al Assad, increasing pressure on his country to halt its bloody crackdown against a year-long uprising.

The trio were among 12 Syrians added to a list of figures already hit with EU travel bans and asset freezes, diplomats said. Foreign ministers in Brussels also barred European firms from trading with two Syrian oil companies.

“With this new listing we are striking at the heart of the Assad clan, sending out a loud and clear message to Mr Assad: he should step down,” said Dutch foreign minister Uri Rosenthal.