BICOM

European Union leaders over the weekend threatened increased sanctions against Iran and Syria, at a forum bringing together the leaders of the 27 EU member states in Brussels. A statement issued by the forum called on Iran to engage in ‘constructive and substantial talks’ with the international community over its nuclear programme, in order to avoid ‘possible further restrictive measures.’ Four rounds of sanctions against Iran have already been passed by the United Nations Security Council. The EU and the US have also taken unilateral measures against Iran’s oil and financial sectors.

The threat of further sanctions against Syria, meanwhile, came in light of the continued repression in the country, which has led to the deaths of over 3000 Syrian citizens in the last seven months. Again, the EU has already taken unilateral moves to sanction Syria, which include a ban on Syrian oil imports and sanctions against the Commercial Bank of Syria and other major Syrian companies.