The European Union has added Faisal Mekdad to its restrictive list.
This decision brings to 289 the total number of persons targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. 70 entities are also subject to an asset freeze.
The sanctions currently in place against the Syrian regime of Bashir al-Assad were introduced in 2011. Companies and prominent business people who benefit from their ties with the regime and from the war economy are also subject to sanctions.
Mekdad, previously deputy foreign minister, was appointed in November 2020 after his predecessor Walid al-Moallem had died at the age of 79.
Additional restrictive measures adopted by the EU with respect to Syria include a ban on the import of oil, restrictions on certain investments, the freezing of assets held by the Syrian central bank in the EU, and export restrictions on equipment and technology that could be used for internal repression or for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications.
The decision was taken by the EU Council of Ministers. Sanctions are reviewed on an annual basis for.
