EU ready to consider new sanctions against Syria
According to the statement made by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini that was published on the website of the European Council on Saturday, April 14, the European Union is ready to consider new sanctions against the Syrian authorities because of the use of chemical weapons in the city of Douma.
"In July 2017 and March 2018, the EU introduced additional restrictive measures against high-ranking Syrian officials and scientists because of their role in the development and use of chemical weapons. [The EU] is always ready to consider the issue of imposing further sanctions if necessary," the statement said.
Mogherini noted that the EU was informed about the attacks on chemical weapons facilities in Syria by the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
"These specific measures were taken for the sole purpose of preventing further use by the Syrian regime of chemical weapons and chemicals to kill their own people," she said and assured that the EU supports all efforts to prevent the use of chemical weapons.
On the eve of April 14, the United States and its allies launched missiles at targets in Syria. The missiles hit three research centers in Damascus and Homs, as well as five military bases and weapons depots in the suburbs of the capital of Syria. There were no casualties among civilians, reports from Syria stated.
That same evening, the UN Security Council rejected the resolution of Russia, which proposed to condemn the attack on Syria.