Syria

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Contents

• 1 General
• 2 UN
• 3 EU
• 4 UK
• 5 Swiss
• 6 Arab League
• 7 Turkey
• 8 Norway
• 9 Australia
• 10 Canada
• 11 Japan
• 12 US
  • 12.1 OFAC
  • 12.2 FinCen
  • 12.3 ITAR
  • 12.4 BIS – EAR
• 13 FATF Warning List
  • 13.1 US FinCen – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List
  • 13.2 Singapore MAS – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List
  • 13.3 US FinCen – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List

General

Syria: fights between regular army (Civil war is going on) and:

• Syrian Revolution Co-ordinating Union (against al-Assad royal family) in north near Turkish border since 2011.
• Free Syrian Army (FSA or Esl) called itself the “al-Farouq brigade of the Free Syrian Army” (FSA) since 2011 (against al-Assad royal family):
  • Al Faruq Brigade (present in Homs, Idlib and Aleppo)
  • Al Tawheed Brigade (present in Aleppo)
• Al-Nusra Front or Jubhat al Nusra since May 2012 (islamist group) (against al-Assad royal family)
• Hamza Abdualmuttalib (rebel jihadist group) (against al-Assad royal family)

• The Syrian Resistance (alawite, pro al-Assad royal family):
  • al-Muqawamah al-Suriyah
  • al-Lijan al-Sha’biyah

August 16, 2012 – OIC Suspension of Syria

Today the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) sent a strong message to the Assad regime by suspending Syria’s membership in the OIC. The United States commends the OIC for its action and commitment to a peaceful resolution in Syria. Today’s action underscores the Assad regime’s increasing international isolation and the widespread support for the Syrian people and their struggle for a democratic state that represents their aspirations and respects their human rights. US Department of State Press Release

June 07, 2011 – There is no overall ban on trading with Syrian entities. Assuming you are neither a US person / entity nor have a connection with the EU, then you should be largely unaffected. However, more stringent measures, possibly including sanctions from the UN, are anticipated shortly and the position becomes more complicated where there are US persons and EU nationals employed by the business.

UN

April 21, 2012 – Resolution 2043 (2012) – Adopted by the Security Council at its 6756th meeting, on 21 April 2012 – Unanimously adopting resolution 2043 (2012), submitted to the 15-member body by the Russian Federation, the Council established, for an initial 90-day period, a supervision mission, to be known as UNSMIS, comprising an initial and expeditious deployment of up to 300 unarmed military observers, including an appropriate civilian component and air transportation assets, to monitor a cessation of armed violence “in all its forms by all parties” as well as the full implementation of the United Nations Joint Special Envoy’s six-point proposal to end the conflict. UN Resolution UN 2043 (2012)

April 14, 2012 – Resolution 2042 (2012) – Adopted by the Security Council at its 6751st meeting, on 14 April 2012 – Six-Point Proposal of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States UN 2042 (2012)

August 04, 2011 – The Security Council today condemned the widespread violation of human rights in Syria and the use of force against civilians by the country’s security forces, calling for an end to the violence and urging all sides to act with restraint and refrain from reprisals, including attacks against State institutions.

The Council voiced its profound regret at the deaths of hundreds of the people during mass protests in Syria and urged the authorities in Damascus to fully respect human rights and comply with their obligations under international law.

More information UN News Center.

July 22, 2011 – The Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect are alarmed at persistent reports of widespread and systematic human rights violations by Syrian security forces responding to anti-government protests across the country.

Security forces reportedly continue to target the civilian population in areas where protests are taking place, killing protestors and arbitrarily arresting residents, often from their homes. There have been numerous reports of disappearances and the torture of detainees. Serious violations of international human rights law are reported to have systematically occurred in the context of such attacks on civilians.

Based on available information, the Special Advisers consider that the scale and gravity of the violations indicate a serious possibility that crimes against humanity may have been committed and continue to be committed in Syria. They underline the need for an independent, thorough, and objective investigation of the events in the country. They call on the Government of Syria, as the Secretary-General has done, to allow humanitarian access to affected areas and to facilitate the visit of the Human Rights Council-mandated fact finding mission so that it can complete its work. Without these steps, it will be very difficult to defuse existing tensions and to prevent the escalation of violence.

All actors involved in the current crisis in Syria are urged to refrain from the use of force, from acts of violence, or from incitement to violence.

The Government of Syria is reminded of its responsibility to protect its population, as all heads of State and government pledged to do in the 2005 Summit Outcome Document. They agreed to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity, as well as their incitement. To that end, the Government should work with civil society to encourage understanding and trust between communities, while taking care not to act in a way that could exacerbate possible differences. As a first step, the Government should ensure that security forces and civilian personnel under their command comply fully and consistently with international human rights obligations in the exercise of their functions.

SCR 1636 (2005) UNSCR 1636(2005) & UNSCR 1636(2005) Status 2007

• Restrictions on admission of persons suspected of involvement in the planning, sponsoring, rganizing or perpetrating of the murder of former Prime Minister of the Lebanon, Rafiq Hariri on 14 February 2005
• Freezing of funds and economic resources of those persons
• Commitment to cooperate with international investigation into that murder
• Freezing of funds and economic resources

EU

June 24, 2014 – EU Imposes Sanctions on Syrian Officials, Head of Relief Agency

July 22, 2013 – Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 697/2013 of 22 July 2013 amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

May 31, 2013 – Syria: EU economic sanctions to apply until 1 June 2014

The Council today adopted restrictive measures against the Syrian regime, in accordance with the political agreement reached at the Foreign Affairs Council of 27 May.

The measures will apply until 1 June 2014 and include a number of export and import bans, e.g. an oil embargo, as well as restrictions on investments, financial activity and the transport sector. In addition, 179 persons associated with the violent repression in Syria are targeted with an asset freeze and a travel ban. 54 entities linked to the repressive policies, including the Central Bank of Syria, have their assets frozen within the EU.

Today’s decision was adopted by written procedure. The legal act will be published in the EU Official Journal of 1 June.

For the EU position on Syria, see the most recent Council conclusions.

Exports of arms and equipment that may be used for internal repression are not featured in today’s decision. For related member state commitments, see the Council declaration on Syria of 27 May.

EU Press Release

April 22, 2013 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 363/2013 of 22 April 2013 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

April 10, 2013 – Council Regulation (EU) No 325/2013 of 10 April 2013 amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

February 28, 2013 – EU sanctions against the Syrian regime extended

The Council today extended all EU sanctions against the Syrian regime for a further three months. At the same time, it amended the arms embargo so as to allow for the provision of non-lethal equipment and technical assistance for the protection of civilians. Today’s decision gives legal effect to an agreement reached at the Foreign Affairs Council of 18 February.

The Council will continue its work of assessing and reviewing, if necessary, the EU sanctions regime against Syria. The act adopted today will be published in the EU Official Journal of 1 March.

See also: Council conclusions on Syria of 18 February

For more information about EU restrictive measures against the Syria regime, see fact sheet European Union and Syria.

November 30, 2012 – EU Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 1117/2012 of 29 November 2012 implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

October 15, 2012 – EU Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 944/2012 – implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

EU Council conclusions on Syria EU Press Release.

EU sanctions once more strengthened EU Press Release

August 17, 2012 – Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 742/2012 – of 16 August 2012 implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

• DREX TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING S.A. Address: 17 rue Beaumont, Luxembourg, L-1219 (Previous address) Other Information: Registered in Luxembourg under number B77616. Beneficial owner is Rami Makhlouf

July 24, 2012 – EU Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 673/2012 of 23 July 2012 implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

Added ENTITIES <sort> COTTON MARKETING ORGANISATION Address: Bab Al-Faraj, PO Box 729, Aleppo. DREX TECHNOLOGIES S.A. Other Information: Incorporation date 4 July 2000. Incorporation number 394678. Director is Rami Makhlouf. Registered agent is Mossack Fonseca & Co (BVI) Ltd SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES (SAA) a.k.a: Syrian Air </sort> Added INDIVIDUALS <sort> AL-ABDULLAH, Suhail AL-ACHI, Amer AL-AHMED, Jawdat Title: Brigadier General AL-AHMED, Riad Title: Major General AL-ALI, NASR Title: Brigadier General AL-HAMED, Firas Title: Brigadier General AL-JARROUCHEH, Ahmed AL-MISRI, Bassam BILAL, Bassel HALLAQ, Issam Title: General HAMAD, Salah Title: Brigadier General ISMAEL, Ezzedine DOB: –/–/1947. ISMAIL, Ghassan, Jaoudat Title: General JOUMAA, Samir DOB: –/–/1962. KAFAN, Ahmad Other Information: Police officer at Idlib central prison KASSOUHA, Michel DOB: 01/02/1948. KHALLOUF, Muhammad Title: Brigadier General KHUDR, Khudr Title: Brigadier General LUQA, Hussam Title: Brigadier General MA’ALA, Ibrahim Title: Brigadier General MAHMOUD, Abdul, Salam, Fajr Title: Brigadier General MASA, Sha’afiq MIHOUB, Qusay Title: Colonel NASR, Mohammed, Ali Title: General QADOUR, Burhan Title: Brigadier General TAHA, Taha Title: Brigadier General </sort>

July 23, 2012 – Council conclusions on Syria

The EU stands by the Syrian people at this critical juncture in their peaceful and courageous struggle for freedom, dignity, democracy and human rights. The EU is appalled by the horrific killings in the village of Tremseh on 12 July 2012. It strongly condemns the ever increasing use of force by the regime, including use of heavy artillery and shelling against populated areas in blatant violation of its obligations under the Annan Plan and UNSC resolutions 2042 and 2043. The EU calls for an immediate international independent investigation. The EU urges the Syrian regime to end immediately the killing of civilians, withdraw the Syrian army from besieged towns and cities and to allow for a peaceful transition for the sake of the country. International humanitarian law must be respected by all. The EU is deeply concerned about the recent intensification of violence, including in Damascus, which demonstrates the urgent need for a political transition that would meet the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people and bring back stability in Syria. The EU remains committed to the sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity of Syria. To see more details follow the link EU Conclusions

July 23, 2012 – Council takes steps to limit arms deliveries to Syria

In response to the ever increasing violence in Syria, the Council today strengthened the enforcement of the EU arms embargo against Syria. EU countries will be obliged to inspect vessels and aircraft heading to Syria if they suspect the cargo contains arms or equipment for internal repression. This obligation applies in member states’ seaports and airports as well as in their territorial sea, in accordance with international law. Items that may not be exported to Syria under EU law must be seized. In addition, aircraft and vessels heading to Syria will have to provide additional pre-arrival and pre-departure information on their cargo.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said: I am deeply concerned at the escalating violence and its tragic consequences for the Syrian population. The EU has warned against a further militarisation of the conflict. Today we are taking practical steps towards limiting the supplies that fuel the fighting.”

The EU embargo on exporting arms and equipment for internal repression to Syria has been in force since May 2011. It is also prohibited to provide grants, loans, export credit insurance, technical assistance, insurance and reinsurance for exports of arms and of equipment for internal repression to Syria.

The Council today also froze the assets of three entities supporting the regime. It also targeted 26 persons responsible for the violent repression with a travel ban and an asset freeze. This brings the total number of persons subject to sanctions to 155 whereas 52 entities are now affected by an EU asset freeze.

The Council also approved an exemption to the existing EU asset freeze:

Member states may authorise payments through banks subject to sanctions if the transfers constitute financial support to Syrian students or researchers in the EU.

This is the seventeenth round of EU sanctions against the Syrian regime since the outbreak of the violent repression. Today’s decisions, including the list of additional designations, will be published in the EU Official Journal of 24 July 2012.

For more information about EU restrictive measures against the Syria regime, see fact sheet European Union and Syria of July 23, 2012.

EU Conclusions

June 26, 2012 – Implementing Council Regulation 545/2012 of 25 June 2012 – Amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

ADDITIONS – INDIVIDUALS

1. SHAABAN , Bouthaina DOB: –/–/1953.

ADDITIONS – ENTITIES

1. GENERAL ORGANISATION OF RADIO AND TV a.k.a: (1) General Radio and Television Corporation
2. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Address: Umayyad Square, Damascus.
3. MINISTRY OF INTERIOR Address: Merjeh Square, Damascus.
4. SYRIA INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK (SIIB) aka: SIIB aka (2) Syrian International Islamic Bank
5. SYRIAN COMPANY FOR OIL TRANSPORT aka: (1) SCOT aka (2) SCOTRACO aka (3) Syrian Crude Oil Transportation Company
6. SYRIAN NATIONAL SECURITY BUREAU

In general it shall be prohibited:

• (a) to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance related to the goods and technology listed in the Common Military List of the European Union (*) (‘Common Military List’) or related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of goods included in that list, to any person, entity or body in Syria or for use in Syria;
• (b) to provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance or brokering services related to equipment, goods or technology which might be used for internal repression or for the manufacture and maintenance of products which could be used for internal repression as listed in Annex I or IA, to any person, entity or body in Syria or for use in Syria;
• (c) to provide, directly or indirectly, financing or financial assistance related to the goods and technology listed in the Common Military List, or in Annex I or IA, including in particular grants, loans and export credit insurance, as well as insurance and reinsurance, for any sale, supply, transfer or export of such items, or for any provision of related technical assistance to any person, entity or body in Syria or for use in Syria;
• (d) to participate, knowingly and intentionally, in activities the object or effect of which is to circumvent the prohibitions referred to in points (a) to (c).

June 25, 2012 – The European Union and Syria Fact-sheet & Council conclusions on Syria

EU Fact-sheet & EU Conclusions

June 15, 2012 – EU sanctions regarding luxury and dual use goods to apply from 17 June

The Council today approved implementing rules on certain EU sanctions against Syria: the ban on exports of luxury goods and of additional dual use goods to Syria. Today’s decision identifies the items covered by these measures and will ensure that they enter into force on 17 June. The measures concern in particular certain additional equipment, goods and technology that may be used for manufacturing and maintaining goods that may be used for internal repression. The export to Syria of such items is prohibited or will require prior authorisation. In addition, today’s decision defines which luxury goods are subject to an export ban from the EU to Syria.

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: “In the current situation, the EU must keep up the pressure on the Syrian regime. EU sanctions target those responsible for the appalling repression and violence against the civilian population. We have carefully calibrated today’s decisions to avoid affecting the Syrian people. We strongly support them in this time of suffering.” The regulation adopted today, together with a full list of the items in question, will be published in tomorrow’s edition of the EU Official Journal. Examples of the goods concerned can be found below. EU Press Release

Examples of goods covered by today’s decisions

Luxury goods include:

• caviar, truffles, and cigars with a sales price exceeding EUR 10 per item;
• wines and spirits with a sales price exceeding EUR 50 per litre;
• leather goods (sales price above EUR 200), garments and shoes (items above EUR 600), jewellery, gems and pearls;
• tableware, clocks and watches (above EUR 500), lead crystal glassware (above EUR 200);
• luxury vehicles, planes and boats. New vehicles from EUR 25.000.

Dual use goods that may not be exported to Syria include:

• protection and detection equipment, for example gas masks and protective suits;
• chemical manufacturing facilities, such as reaction vessels and storage tanks;
• chemicals that may be used a precursors for toxic chemical agents;
• human, animal and plant pathogens, i.e. certain viruses, bacteria and toxins.

Dual use goods subject to authorisation for export to Syria include:

• further chemicals and toxins;
• additional laboratory equipment and chemical manufacturing facilities, such as certain valves or vacuum pumps;
• technology and software required for the development, production or use of goods requiring authorisation for export to Syria.

May 15, 2012 – Council Implementing Decision 2012/256/CFSP of 14 May 2012 – implementing Council Decision 2011/782/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria

Added Persons:

1. Adib Mayaleh
2. Salim Altoun, a.k.a. Saleem Altoun, a.k.a. Abu Shaker
3. Youssef Klizli

Added Entities:

1. General Organisation of Tobacco – Salhieh Street 616, Damascus, Syria – Provides financial support to the Syrian regime. The General Organisation of Tobacco is wholly owned by the Syrian state. The profits that the organisation makes, including through the sale of licenses to market foreign brands of tobacco and taxes levied on imports of foreign brands of tobacco are transferred to the Syrian state.
2. Altoun Group – Altoun Group Maaraba Damascus Countryside North Circular Highway Damascus Syria tel.: 00963-11-5915685 Postal Box 30484 1987 US SIC Codes 6719 NACE Codes 7415 Provides financial support to the Syrian regime. The entity is involved in a scheme to export Syrian oil with the listed company Sytrol in order to provide revenue to the regime.

EU Sanctions and EU Regulation 410/2012

May 14, 2012 – Council conclusions on Syria and Council strengthens EU sanctions once more

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council today reinforced once more EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It froze the assets of two entities financially supporting the regime and targeted three additional persons with a travel ban and an asset freeze. EU Press Release

The EU reiterates its call on the Syrian authorities to fully and immediately comply with the Joint UN-League of Arab States Special Envoy Kofi Annan’s plan as endorsed by UNSC resolutions 2042 and 2043 and abide by all their commitments to the UN. The EU recalls that the main responsibility for the ceasefire and the successful implementation of the plan lies with the Syrian authorities. The Syrian government must ensure without delay the necessary conditions for an effective operation and full and fast deployment of the UN observation mission, including full freedom of movement and agreement on the use of air assets. It must fully withdraw its troops and heavy weapons from population centres. The EU is deeply concerned about the continued violence in Syria, including the recent deadly bomb attacks, notably the ones in Damascus on 10 May. Acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances. More information EU Press Release

April 23, 2012 – Council strengthens EU sanctions against Syrian regime

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council today reinforced once more EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. The Council decided to adopt restrictive measures on the export to Syria of additional equipment, goods and technology that can be used for internal repression or for making and maintaining such products. It also agreed to ban the sales of luxury goods from the EU to Syria. EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said: “We have imposed additional sanctions against the Syrian regime because of deep concern about the situation and the continuing violence, in spite of the ceasefire. The repression in Syria must stop. We are working with the international community to ensure that we enforce sanctions as effectively as possible.”

The Council will adopt implementing legislation to define which items are covered by these two provisions. This is the fourteenth time the EU imposes restrictive measures against the Syrian regime since the start of the violent repression against the civilian population. Today’s decision will be published in the EU Official Journal of 24 April 2012.

See also: Council conclusions on Syria

For more information on EU sanctions against the Syrian regime, see fact sheet European Union and Syria.

RESTRICTIVE MEASURES ON SYRIA – in force as on 24 April 2012

In response to the continued brutal repression and widespread violation of human rights by the Syrian government, the EU has gradually introduced comprehensive restrictive measures, starting in May 2011. They consist in:

• Export ban on arms and related material and on equipment which might be used for internal repression, including export restrictions on certain other equipment, goods and technology that might be used for internal repression or for the manufacture or maintenance of such products. This also includes a prohibition on related technical or financial assistance.
• Import ban on crude oil and petroleum products from Syria. The prohibition concerns import, purchase and transport of such products as well as related finance and insurance. The ban also includes a prohibition on related technical and financial assistance.
• Ban on investment in the Syrian oil industry and in companies engaged in the construction of new power plants for electricity production in Syria. This covers loans and credits, acquisition or extension of participations and the creation of joint ventures.
• Prohibition to participate in the construction of new power plants, including related technical or financial assistance.
• Ban on exports to Syria of key equipment and technology for the oil and gas industry. The ban also includes a prohibition on related technical and financial assistance.
• The assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU are frozen and it is prohibited to make funds or economic resources available, but the provision allows for legitimate trade to continue under strict conditions.
• Ban on trade in gold, precious metals and diamonds with Syrian public bodies and the central bank.
• Ban on supplying banknotes and coinage to the Syrian central bank.
• Member states must not give new grants and concessional loans to the Syrian government.
• Asset freeze on 41 entities and 126 persons responsible for or associated with the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria or supporting or benefiting from the regime.
• Visa bans on 126 persons responsible for or associated with the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria or supporting or benefiting from the regime.
• Export ban on equipment, technology or software primarily intended for monitoring or interception of the internet or telephone communications
• No disbursements and payments in connection with existing loan agreements between Syria and the European Investment Bank, as well as the suspension of technical assistance contracts relating to projects in Syria.
• Prohibition to trade Syrian public or public-guaranteed bonds to or from the government of Syria or its public bodies and Syrian financial institutions. No brokering or issuing services for such bonds are allowed.
• Prohibition for Syrian financial institutions to open new branches or subsidiaries in the EU or to establish new joint ventures or new correspondent banking relationships with EU banks. EU banks are prohibited from opening offices or accounts in Syria.
• Member states are to restrain short and medium term financial support for trade with Syria, including export credits, guarantees and insurance. No more long-term support.
• No insurance or re-insurance to the Syrian government, public bodies, corporations or agencies (except health and travel insurance or compulsory third party insurance for Syrian persons or entities in the EU).
• Cargo flights operated by Syrian carriers may not have access to EU airports (except mixed passenger and cargo flights).
• Prohibition to export luxury goods to Syria

March 24, 2012 – Implementing Regulation (EU) No 266/2012 concerning restrictive measures

Implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria – Adding twelve Natural Persons and two Entities. Changing eight Natural Persons

ADDED – Persons

• Anisa Al Assad (a.k.a. Anisah Al Assad), Born: 1934, Maiden name: Makhlouf – Mother of President Al-Assad. Given the close personal relationship and intrinsic financial relationship to the Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad, she benefits from and is associated with the Syrian regime.
• Bushra Al Assad (a.k.a. Bushra Shawkat), Born: 24.10.1960 – Sister of Bashar al Assad, and wife of Asif Shawkat, Deputy Chief of Staff for Security and Reconnaissance. Given the close personal relationship and intrinsic financial relationship to the Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad and other core Syrian regime figures, she benefits from and is associated with the Syrian regime.
• Asma Al Assad (a.k.a. Asma Fawaz Al Akhras), Born: 11.08.1975, Place of Birth: London, UK Passport number: 707512830 expires 22/9/2020 Maiden name: Al Akhras – Wife of Bashar Al Assad. Given the close personal relationship and intrinsic financial relationship to the Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad, she benefits from and is associated with the Syrian regime.
• Manal Al Assad (a.k.a. Manal Al Ahmad), Born: 02.02.1970, Place of Birth: Damascus Passport number (Syrian): 0000000914 Maiden name: Al Akhras – Spouse of Maher Al Assad, and as such benefiting from and closely associated with the regime.
• Imad Mohammad Deeb Khamis, Born: 1 August 1961, Place of Birth: near Damascus – Minister of Electricity. Responsible for using power cuts as a method of repression.
• Omar Ibrahim Ghalawanji, Born: 1954, Place of Birth: Tartus – Minister of Local Administration. Responsible for local government authorities and thus responsible for repression against the civilian population by local governments.
• Joseph Suwaid, Born: 1958, Place of Birth: Damascus – Minister of State and as such closely associated with the regime’s policy.
• Ghiath Jeraatli, Born: 1950, Place of Birth: Salamiya – Minister of State and as such closely associated with the regime’s policy.
• Hussein Mahmoud Farzat, Born: 1957, Place of Birth: Hama – Minister of State and as such closely associated with the regime’s policy.
• Yousef Suleiman Al-Ahmad, Born: 1956, Place of Birth: Hasaka – Minister of State and as such closely associated with the regime’s policy.
• Hassan al-Sari, Born: 1953, Place of Birth: Hama – Minister of State and as such closely associated with the regime’s policy.
• Mazen al-Tabba, Born: 01.01.1958, Place of Birth: Damascus, Passport number (Syrian): 004415063 expires 06.05.2015 – Business partner of Ihab Makhlouf and Nizar al-Assad (subjected to sanctions on 23/08/2011); co-owner, with Rami Makhlouf, of the Al-Diyar lil-Saraafa currency exchange company, which supports the policy of the Central Bank of Syria.

ADDED – Entities

• Syrian Petroleum company, Address: Dummar Province, Expansion Square, Island 19- Building 32 – State-owned oil company. Provides financial support to the Syrian regime
• Mahrukat Company – (The Syrian Company for the Storage and Distribution of Petroleum Products) – Headquarters: Damascus – Al Adawi st., Petroleum building – State-owned oil company. Provides financial support to the Syrian regime

CHANGED – Already listed persons and entity to be replaced by the following

• Tarif Akhras, Born 2 June 1951 in Homs, Syria, Syrian passport nr. 0000092405 – Prominent businessman benefiting from and supporting the regime. Founder of the Akhras Group (commodities, trading, processing and logistics) and former Chairman of the Homs Chamber of Commerce. Close business relations with President Al-Assad’s family. Member of the Board of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce. Provided industrial and residential premises for improvised detention camps, as well as logistical support for the regime (buses and tank loaders).
• Issam Anbouba, Born 1952 in Homs, Syria – President of Anbouba for Agricultural Industries Co. Provides financial support to the Syrian regime.
• Ra’if Al-Quwatly (a.k.a. Ri’af Al-Quwatli a.k.a. Raeef Al- Kouatly) – Business associate of Maher Al-Assad and responsible for managing some of his business interests; provides funding to the regime.
• Bassam Sabbagh, Born on 24 August 1959 in Damascus, Address: Kasaa, Anwar al Attar Street, al Midani building, Damascus. Syrian passport no 004326765 issued 2 November 2008, valid until November 2014. – Legal and financial adviser and manages affairs of Rami Makhlouf and Khaldoun Makhlouf. Involved with Bashar al-Assad in funding a real estate project in Latakia. Provides financial support for the regime.
• Mohamed Hamcho, Born on 20 May 1966; passport No 002954347 – Syrian businessman and local agent for several foreign companies; associate of Maher al-Assad, managing a part of his financial and economic interests and as such provides funding to the regime
• El-Tel. Co. (El-Tel. Middle East Company, Address: Dair Ali Jordan Highway, P.O. Box 13052, Damascus – Syria – Manufacturing and supplying communication and transmission towers and other equipment for the Syrian army.
• Rami Makhlouf, Born on 10 July 1969 in Damascus, passport No 454224 – Syrian businessman; cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad, controls the investment funds Al Mahreq, Bena Properties, Cham Holding Syriatel, Souruh Company thereby furnishing financing and support to the regime.
• Ihab (a.k.a. Ehab, Iehab) Makhlouf, Born on 21 January 1973 in Damascus; passport No N002848852 – President of Syriatel, which transfers 50 % of its profits to the Syrian government by way of its licencing contract.

March 23, 2012 – EU factsheet on Syria – The European Union and Syria – Brussels, 1 March 2012

The European Union has responded decisively to the violent repression of anti-government protests in Syria, which began in March 2011. We have called for an end to the appalling and unacceptable violence, the withdrawal of the Syrian army from besieged towns and cities, the implementation of genuine democratic reforms and a credible, genuine and inclusive national dialogue. The EU has condemned in the strongest terms the widespread human rights violations, which include the killing, mass arrest and torture of civilians, peaceful protestors and their relatives, that according to the Independent International Commission of Enquiry may amount to crimes against humanity. It has also condemned several times actions aimed at inciting inter-ethnic and inter-confessional conflict as well as targeted assassinations of renowned political figures. As the violence and repression continued, the EU decided to introduce restrictive measures to increase pressure on the government of President Bashar al-Assad. In total, 12 sets of restrictive measures have been introduced since the beginning of the crisis (see annex for an overview). The EU has called consistently for President Assad to step aside and make way for a peaceful transition, along the lines of the action plan adopted by the League of Arab States (LAS).

In May, the EU froze the draft Association Agreement that had been negotiated with Syria and suspended bilateral cooperation programmes between the EU and the Syrian government under the MEDA/European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument (ENPI). The European Commission has suspended the participation of Syrian authorities in its regional programmes and the European Investment Bank has suspended all its loan operations and technical assistance to Syria.

The EU is also working closely with the international community to put pressure on the Syrian Government to stop the atrocities. The EU has supported the LAS in its efforts to solve the crisis and has praised its commitment and leadership. The EU provided technical support to the LAS for its observation mission in Syria, in particular through helping to set up its situation room.

The EU continues to urge members of the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities and agree on strong UN action towards Syria: the time has come to speak with one voice, demand an end to the bloodshed and call for a democratic future for Syria. The EU welcomes the resolution on Syria adopted in the UN General Assembly on 16 February which backs the LAS’s plan for a Syrian-led solution to the crisis, supports the work of Special Envoy Kofi Annan and welcomes the resolution by the UN Human Rights Council on 1 March. We are active participants in the ‘Friends of the Syrian people’ group and are cooperating closely with our international partners, including the LAS, United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The EU also has grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in Syria, and underlines the pressing need to protect civilians. The EU has already given more than EUR 8 million in humanitarian assistance (EUR 3 million from the Commission and EUR 5 million from member states) and is willing to increase this depending on need. We continue to call for unhindered access for humanitarian organisations and back all efforts to achieve a ceasefire, which could develop into a permanent end to violence. It is vitally important to secure unhindered access to assess the needs of the civilian population and to provide humanitarian and medical aid where needed.

Background – History of EU-Syria relations

The legal basis for relations between the EU and Syria is the Cooperation Agreement signed in 1977. Prior to the conflict the EU sought to develop a closer relationship with Syria, which would provide for political dialogue, mutually beneficial trade and investment relations, and cooperation on economic, social and democratic reform.

The Commission and Syria initialled a draft EU-Syria Association agreement in 2004. However, its signature was put on hold as the EU considered the political circumstances were not right at the time. In late 2008, the Commission and Syria updated the 2004 draft agreement to take into account the reform of the Syrian customs tariff and EU enlargement. They initialled the revised version of the agreement on 14 December 2008, but it was never signed.

Priorities of EU co-operation with Syria were defined in the Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme. The main aim of this co-operation was to support Syria’s domestic reform process. Syria is a signatory of the 1995 Barcelona Declaration and a member of the Union for the Mediterranean. Syria was among the countries benefiting from the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Annex RESTRICTIVE MEASURES ON SYRIA – in force as on 1 March 2012

In response to the continued brutal repression and widespread violation of human rights by the Syrian government, the EU has gradually introduced comprehensive restrictive measures, starting in May 2011. They consist in:

• Export ban on arms and related materiel and on equipment which might be used for internal repression. The ban also includes a prohibition on related technical or financial assistance.
• Import ban on crude oil and petroleum products from Syria. The prohibition concerns import, purchase and transport of such products as well as related finance and insurance. The ban also includes a prohibition on related technical and financial assistance.
• Ban on investment in the Syrian oil industry and in companies engaged in the construction of new power plants for electricity production in Syria. This covers loans and credits, acquisition or extension of participations and the creation of joint ventures.
• Prohibition to participate in the construction of new power plants, including related technical or financial assistance.
• Ban on exports to Syria of key equipment and technology for the oil and gas industry. The ban also includes a prohibition on related technical and financial assistance.
• The assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU are frozen and it is prohibited to make funds or economic resources available, but the provision allows for legitimate trade to continue under strict conditions.
• Ban on trade in gold, precious metals and diamonds with Syrian public bodies and the central bank.
• Ban on supplying banknotes and coinage to the Syrian central bank.
• Member states must not give new grants and concessional loans to the Syrian government.
• Asset freeze on 39 entities and 114 persons responsible for or associated with the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria or supporting or benefiting from the regime.
• Visa bans on 114 persons responsible for or associated with the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria or supporting or benefiting from the regime.
• Export ban on equipment, technology or software primarily intended for monitoring or interception of the internet or telephone communications.
• No disbursements and payments in connection with existing loan agreements between Syria and the European Investment Bank, as well as the suspension of technical assistance contracts relating to projects in Syria.
• Prohibition to trade Syrian public or public-guaranteed bonds to or from the government of Syria or its public bodies and Syrian financial institutions. No brokering or issuing services for such bonds are allowed.
• Prohibition for Syrian financial institutions to open new branches or subsidiaries in the EU or to establish new joint ventures or new correspondent banking relationships with EU banks. EU banks are prohibited from opening offices or accounts in Syria.
• Member states are to restrain short and medium term financial support for trade with Syria, including export credits, guarantees and insurance. No more long-term support.
• No insurance or re-insurance to the Syrian government, public bodies, corporations or agencies (except health and travel insurance or compulsory third party insurance for Syrian persons or entities in the EU).
• Cargo flights operated by Syrian carriers may not have access to EU airports (except mixed passenger and cargo flights).

For more information, see legislation instituting these restrictive measures and Frequently Asked Questions on EU restrictive measures.

March 23, 2012 – COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION 2012/172/CFSP of 23 March 2012 – implementing Decision 2011/782/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria

March 23, 2012 – Council tightens EU sanctions against Syrian regime

Given the Syrian regime’s continued use of violence against civilians, the Council today reinforced the EU’s restrictive measures once more. The Council targeted 12 persons associated with the repression or supporting or benefitting from the regime with a ban on entering the EU. The assets of same individuals and of two additional entities will be frozen within the EU. This brings the number of designated persons to 126 and the total of targeted entities to 41. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said: “The repression has reached totally unacceptable levels of violence and must stop immediately. Today’s decisions aim to weaken the regime’s resources and its ability to conduct its brutal campaign.” The legal acts will be published in the EU Official Journal on 24 March. This is the thirteenth time that the EU imposes sanctions since the Syrian regime started to violently repress the uprising in 2011. For details on the remaining restrictive measures, see factsheet European Union and Syria. EU Press Release

March 23, 2012 – Council conclusions on Syria

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. The European Union is increasingly appalled by the unfolding situation in Syria and recalls the European Council conclusions on Syria of 1 and 2 March 2012. The EU strongly condemns the continued brutal attacks and systematic human rights violations by the Syrian regime, including the use of heavy weaponry in civilian areas, which risk exacerbating further the spiral of violence, sectarian clashes and militarisation, and endanger the stability of the region. President Assad must step aside to allow for a peaceful and democratic transition. The EU also condemns recent bomb attacks in Damascus and Aleppo causing scores of death and injuries. Acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances.
2. The European Union reiterates its deepest concerns at the increasingly worsening humanitarian plight of the Syrian civilian population as a result of continuous and widespread violence. The Syrian authorities must grant immediate, unimpeded and full access of humanitarian organisations to all areas of Syria in order to allow them to deliver humanitarian assistance and medical care. In this regard, the EU welcomes the recent visit of USG Valerie Amos to Syria and her efforts to agree a clear framework of humanitarian access with the Syrian authorities and takes note of the start of the preliminary humanitarian assessment in Syria. It also welcomes the outcomes of the Syria Humanitarian Forum, held in Geneva on 8 March, as well as the UN Security Council statement of 1 March 2012, deploring the humanitarian situation in Syria. It fully supports measures aimed at ensuring a coordinated, rapid and effective humanitarian response of the international community. In the light of growing needs, the EU and Member States have increased their financial support to humanitarian organisations and will continue to mobilise the necessary assistance. The EU is greatly concerned by reports of anti-personnel land mines being laid along the Syrian borders aiming to prevent Syrians from fleeing.
3. The EU welcomes the recent visit to Damascus of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States Kofi Annan and urges the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully with him. The EU recalls its full support for his mission and his efforts to stop violence and facilitate a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive dialogue leading to a political solution that meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people on the basis of the UN General Assembly resolution of 16 February 2012 and League of Arab States resolutions, in particular those of 22 January, 12 February and 10 March 2012.
4. The EU reiterates its call for the UN Security Council to agree urgently on a resolution on Syria in order to obtain the cessation of violence, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access and leading to a political process in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people. It calls on all members of the Security Council, particularly Russia and China, to work together in an effort to stop the violence and to support fully the implementation of the League of Arab States resolutions. The EU welcomes the UNSC Presidential Statement of 21 March expressing its gravest concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria and full support to the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the LAS, Kofi Annan.
5. The EU welcomes the outcome of the debate of the UN Human Rights Council on Syria on 12 March 2012 and the adoption of the HRC resolution on 23 March 2012 on the human rights situation in the country and the extension of the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry. There must be a full investigation of the findings of the Commission of Inquiry which pointed to crimes against humanity and other gross violations of human rights committed in the country. The EU reaffirms that there should be no impunity for the perpetrators of such alleged crimes.
6. The European Union supports the Syrian opposition in its struggle for freedom, dignity and democracy for the Syrian people. The EU stands ready to step up its engagement with all representative members of Syrian opposition which adhere to non violence, inclusiveness and democratic values as they make progress to form a broad and inclusive platform. The Syrian National Council, recognised by the EU as a legitimate representative of Syrians, and other representatives of the opposition must unite now in the peaceful struggle for a new Syria that is democratic, pluralistic, stable and guarantees human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and where all citizens enjoy equal rights regardless of their affiliations, ethnicity, belief or gender. To this end, the EU urges all representative members of the opposition to set up an inclusive coordination mechanism under the auspices of the League of Arab States and to agree on a set of shared principles for working towards an orderly and peaceful transition .
7. Given the Syrian regime’s continued use of violence against civilians, the EU approved today further designations of persons and entities to be subject to restrictive measures. The EU will continue its policy of imposing additional measures targeting the regime, not the civilian population, as long as repression continues. The EU will also continue to urge the international community to join its efforts, in taking steps to apply and enforce restrictive measures and sanctions on the Syrian regime and its supporters. It calls on all Syrians to disassociate themselves from the repressive policy of the regime in order to facilitate a political transition.
8. As soon as a genuine democratic transition begins, the EU is ready to develop a new and ambitious partnership with Syria across all areas of mutual interest, including by mobilising assistance, strengthening trade and economic relations and supporting transitional justice and the political transition.

EU Press Release

February 27, 2012 – EU approved today further sanctions against the Syrian regime

Implementing Council Regulation EU No 168/2012 of 27 February 2012 amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

Given the Syrian regime’s continued use of violence against civilians, the EU approved today further sanctions against the Syrian regime;

• Imposing an asset freeze on the Syrian Central Bank
• Banning transactions of gold and other precious metals
• Banning cargo flights operated by Syrian carriers
• Designating seven Ministers of the Syrian government to be subject to restrictive measures.

The EU will continue its policy of imposing additional measures targeting the regime, not the civilian population, as long as repression continues. The EU calls on the international community to join its efforts to target those responsible for or associated with the violent repression and those who support or benefit from the regime. The EU welcomes the decision of the League of Arab States to increase economic pressure on the Syrian regime and stands ready to support the League of Arab States in the area of sanctions and restrictive measures. The EU welcomes the commitment of the participants of the Friends of Syria Group to take steps to apply and enforce restrictive measures and sanctions on the Syrian regime and its supporters. EU Press Release

January 24, 2012 – EU Implementing Regulation (EU) No 55/2012 – adding of entities (including banks) and persons to the blacklist.

December 19, 2012 – Council Implementing Regulation EU) No 36/2012 of 18 January 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria and repealing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011.

The Council expanded the scope of its measures against Syria by way of Council Regulations on 2 September, 23 September, 13 October and 14 November 2011, as well as making amendments and additions to the list of targeted persons and entities through successive Council Implementing Regulations. Further measures, which do not fall within the scope of Union law, are set out in the corresponding CFSP Decisions of the Council.

In view of the continued brutal repression and violation of human rights by the Government of Syria, Council Decision 2011/782/CFSP provides for additional measures, namely a prohibition on the export of telecommunications monitoring equipment for use by the Syrian regime, a prohibition on the participation in certain infrastructure projects and investment in such projects, and additional restrictions on the transfers of funds and the provision of financial services.

December 02, 2011 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1244/2011 of 1 December 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

Individuals <sort> Mohammad Al-Jleilati, DoB 1945, PoB Damascus, Minister of Finance. Responsible for the Syrian economy Dr. Mohammad Nidal Al-Shaar, DoB 1956, PoB Aleppo, Minister of Economy and Trade. Responsible for the Syrian economy Lt. General Fahid Al- Jassim, Chief of Staff. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Major General Ibrahim Al-Hassan, Deputy Chief of Staff. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Brigadier Khalil Zghraybih, 14th Division. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Brigadier Ali Barakat, 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard Division. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Brigadier Talal Makhluf, 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard Division. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Brigadier Nazih Hassun, Syrian Air Force Intelligence. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Captain Maan Jdiid, Presidential Guard. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Muahmamd Al-Shaar, Political Security Division. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Khald Al-Taweel, Political Security Division. Military official involved in the violence in Homs Ghiath Fayad, Political Security Division. Military official involved in the violence in Homs </sort> Entities – owned & controlled by Rami Makhlouf <sort> Cham Press TV, Al Qudsi building, 2nd Floor – Baramkeh – Damascus Tel: +963 – 11- 2260805 Fax: +963 – 11 – 2260806 Email: mail@champress.com Website: www.champress.net – Television channel which participates in campaigns to spread disinformation and incite violence against demonstrators Al Watan, Al Watan Newspaper – Damascus – Duty Free Zone Tel: 00963 11 2137400 Fax: 00963 11 2139928 – Daily newspaper which participates in campaigns to spread disinformation and incite violence against demonstrators </sort> 878 Background & 504 Background

November 15, 2011 – Council Regulation (EU) No 1151/2011 of 14 November 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria and in accordance with Council Implementing Decision 2011/736/CFSP of 14 November 2011 implementing Decision 2011/273/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria ( 2 ), 18 additional persons should be included in the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 442/2011.

November 15, 2011 – Council Regulation (EU) No 1150/2011 of 14 November 2011 amending Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. In view of the continued brutal repression and violation of human rights by the Government of Syria, on 14 November 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/735/CFSP amending Decision 2011/273/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria providing for an additional measure, namely to prohibit the European Investment Bank to make any disbursement or payment under or in connection with existing loan agreements with Syria and to suspend all existing Technical Assistance Service Contracts for sovereign projects located in Syria.

October 14, 2011 – COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) No 1011/2011 of 13 October 2011 amending Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

Entities

• Commercial Bank of Syria – — Damascus Branch, P.O. Box 2231, Moawiya St., Damascus, Syria;- P.O. Box 933, Yousef Azmeh Square, Damascus, Syria; — Aleppo Branch, P.O. Box 2, Kastel Hajjarin St., Aleppo, Syria; SWIFT/BIC CMSY SY DA; all offices worldwide

In Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 442/2011, the entries for Emad GHRAIWATI, Tarif AKHRAS and Issam ANBOUBA are replaced by the following entries: ‘Name Identifying information (date of birth, place of birth …)

• Emad GHRAIWATI – DoB: March 1959; PoB: Damascus, Syria – President of the Damascus Chamber of Industry (Zuhair Ghraiwati Sons). Supports economically the Syrian regime. – 2.9.2011
• Tarif AKHRAS – DoB: 1949; PoB: Homs, Syria – Founder of the Akhras Group (commodities, trading, processing and logistics), Homs. Supports economically the Syrian regime. – 2.9.2011
• Issam ANBOUBA – DoB: 1949; PoB: Lattakia, Syria – President of Issam Anbouba Est. for agro- industry. Supports economically the Syrian regime. – 2.9.2011

September 03, 2011 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 878/2011 of 2 September 2011 amending Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

Oil Embargo – It shall be prohibited:

• to import crude oil or petroleum products into the Union if they – originate in Syria; or have been exported from Syria;
• to purchase crude oil or petroleum products which are located in or which originated in Syria;
• to transport crude oil or petroleum products if they originate in Syria, or are being exported from Syria to any other country;
• to provide, directly or indirectly, financing or financial assistance, including financial derivatives, as well as insurance and re-insurance, related to the prohibitions set out in dots 1, 2 & 3; and
• to participate, knowingly and intentionally, in activities whose object or effect is, directly or indirectly, to circumvent the prohibitions in point (a), (b), (c) or (d).

The prohibitions above shall not apply to – (a) the execution, on or prior to 15 November 2011, of an obligation arising from a contract concluded before 2 September 2011, provided that the natural or legal person, entity or body seeking to perform the obligation concerned has notified, at least 7 working days in advance, the activity or transaction to the competent authority of the Member State in which it is established.

Persons <sort> Fares CHEHABI (Fares SHIHABI) – President of Aleppo Chamber of Industry. Provides economic support for the Syrian regime. (2.09.2011) Emad GHRAIWATI – President of the Damascus Chamber of Industry (Zuhair Ghraiwati Sons). Provides economic support for the Syrian regime. (2.09.2011) Tarif AKHRAS – Founder of the Akhras Group (commodities, trading, processing and logistics), Homs. Provides economic support for the Syrian regime. (2.09.2011) Issam ANBOUBA – President of Issam Anbouba Est. for agro-industry. Supports economically the Syrian regime. (2.09.2011) </sort> Entities <sort> Mada Transport – Subsidiary of Cham Holding (Sehanya Daraa Highway, PO Box 9525, tel: 00 963 11 99 62) – Economic entity financing the regime. – (2.09.2011) Cham Investment Group – Subsidiary of Cham Holding (Sehanya Daraa Highway, PO Box 9525, tel: 00 963 11 99 62) – Economic entity financing the regime. – (2.09.2011) Real Estate Bank – Insurance Bldg- Yousef Al-azmeh sqr. Damascus P.O. Box: 2337 Damascus Syrian Arab Republic Phone: (+963) 11 2456777 and 2218602 Fax: (+963) 11 2237938 and 2211186 Bank’s e-mail: Publicrelations@ reb.sy, Website: www.reb.sy – State-owned bank providing financial support for the regime. – (2.09.2011) </sort> 878 Background & Background

August 24, 2011 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 843/2011 of 23 August 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

The European Union Tuesday (August 23, 2011) agreed to broaden the scope of its sanctions against Syria, adding 15 individuals and 5 entities to the list of those already hit by by an asset freeze and travel ban, the European Council said.

Adding of 15 Persons & 5 Entities

Persons / Entities Identifying information (date of birth, place of birth) Reasons Date of listing Hayel AL-ASSAD Assistant to Maher Al-Assad, Head of the military police unit of the army’s 4th Division, involved in repression. 23.8.2011 Ali AL-SALIM Director of the supplies office of the Syrian Ministry of Defence, entry point for all arms acquisitions by the Syrian army. 23.8.2011 Nizar AL-ASSAAD Very close to key government officials. Financing Shabiha in the region of Latakia. 23.8.2011 Brigadier-General Rafiq SHAHADAH Head of Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Branch 293 (Internal Affairs) in Damascus. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Damascus. Advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad for strategic questions and military intelligence. 23.8.2011 Brigadier-General JAMEA JAMEA (Jami Jami) Branch Chief for Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) in Dayr az-Zor. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Dayr az- Zor and Alboukamal. 23.8.2011 Hassan Bin-Ali AL-TURKMANI DOB 1935 in Aleppo Deputy Vice Minister, former Minister for Defence, Special Envoy of President Bashar Al-Assad. 23.8.2011 Muhammad Said BUKHAYTAN Assistant Regional Secretary of Baath Arab Socialist Party since 2005, 2000-2005 Director for the national security of the regional Baath party. Former Governor of Hama (1998-2000). Close associate of President Bashar Al-Assad and Maher Al-Assad. Senior decision-maker in the regime on repression of civilian population. 23.8.2011 Ali DOUBA Responsible for killings in Hama in 1980, has been called back to Damascus as special advisor to President Bashar Al-Assad. 23.8.2011 Brigadier-General Nawful AL-HUSAYN Idlib Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Branch Chief. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Idlib province. 23.8.2011 Brigadier Husam SUKKAR Presidential Adviser on Security Affairs. Presidential Adviser for security agencies’ repression and violence against the civilian population. 23.8.2011 Brigadier-General Muhammed ZAMRINI Branch Chief for Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) in Homs. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Homs. 23.8.2011 Lieutenant-General Munir ADANOV (ADNUF) Deputy Chief of General Staff, Operations and Training for Syrian Army. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Syria. 23.8.2011 Brigadier-General Ghassan KHALIL Head of General Intelligence Directorate’s (GID) Information Branch. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population in Syria. 23.8.2011 Mohammed JABIR POB Latakia Shabiha militia. Associate of Maher Al-Assad for the Shabiha militia. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population and co-ordination of Shabiha militia groups. 23.8.2011 Samir HASSAN Close business associate of Maher Al-Assad. Known for supporting economically the Syrian regime. 23.8.2011 Political Security Directorate Syrian government agency directly involved in repression. 23.8.2011 General Intelligence Directorate Syrian government agency directly involved in repression. 23.8.2011 Military Intelligence Directorate Syrian government agency directly involved in repression. 23.8.2011 Air Force Intelligence Agency Syrian government agency directly involved in repression. 23.8.2011 IRGC Qods Force (a. k. a. Quds Force) Teheran, Iran The Qods (or Quds) Force is a specialist arm of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Qods Force is involved in providing equipment and support to help the Syria regime suppress protests in Syria. IRGC Qods Force has provided technical assistance, equipment and support to the Syrian security services to repress civilian protest movements. 23.08.2011

EU Regulation EU 843/2011 of August 23, 2011

The Qods (Jerusalem) Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is responsible for extraterritorial operations, including terrorist operations. A primary focus for the Qods Force is training Islamic fundamentalist terrorist groups. Currently, the Qods Force conducts training activities in Iran and in Sudan. The Qods Force is also responsible for gathering information required for targeting and attack planning. The Pasdaran has contacts with underground movements in the Gulf region, and Pasdaran members are assigned to Iranian diplomatic missions, where, in the course of routine intelligence activities they monitor dissidents. Pasdaran influence has been particularly important in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. – (Source Global Security)

Note: IRGC Qods Force is listed by the EU and included on the Treasury’s consolidated list under Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010 [Iran – Nuclear Proliferation]. With its listing by the EU in connection with the situation in Syria, the existing details on the consolidated list have been amalgamated into a single Group ID. The ongoing Group ID is provided in the above listing details.

August 02, 2011 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 755/2011 of 1 August 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

Adding 5 Persons

Persons / Entities Identifying information (date of birth, place of birth) Reasons Date of listing Mr Mohammad Mufleh Head of Syrian Military Intelligence in the town of Hama Involved in the crackdown on demonstrators. 1.8.2011 Major General Tawfiq Younes Head of the Department for Internal Security of the General Intelligence Directorate Involved in violence against the civilian population. 1.8.2011 Mr Mohammed Makhlouf (a.k.a. Abu Rami)(Born in Latakia, Syria, 19.10.1932) Close associate and maternal uncle of Bashar and Mahir al-Assad. Business associate and father of Rami, Ihab and Iyad Makhlouf. 1.8.2011 Ayman Jabir (Born Latakia) Associate of Mahir al-Assad for the Shabiha militia. Directly involved in repression and violence against the civilian population and co-ordination of Shabiha militia groups 1.8.2011 General Ali Habib Mahmoud (Born Tartous, 1939) Appointed Minister of Defence 3 June 2009 Minister of Defence. Responsible for conduct and operations of Syrian Armed Forces involved in repression and violence against the civilian population 1.8.2011

EU Regulation EU-755/2011

August 01, 2011 – EU Statement on the extension of restrictive measures against Syrian individuals responsible for and associated with repression. EU Press Release

• Today, the EU has decided to impose further restrictive measures, in the form of an assets freeze

and travel ban on five Syrian individuals involved in or associated with the violent repression.

• I welcome the fact that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency session later today to

address the serious escalation. It is time for the Security Council to take a clear stand on the need to end the violence.”

July 13, 2011 – Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third (candidate) countries with the Council Decision 2011/367/CFSP implementing Council Decision 2011/273/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria EU Press Release

• The Candidate Countries Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Serbia, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

June 24, 2011 – COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 611/2011 of 23 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. EU 611/2011 & Background

Persons / Entity Identifying information (date of birth, place of birth) Reasons Date of listing Zoulhima CHALICHE (Dhu al-Himma SHALISH) Born in 1951 or 1946 in Kerdaha Head of presidential security; involved in violence against demonstrators; first cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad. 23.6.2011 Riyad CHALICHE (Riyad SHALISH) Director of Military Housing Establishment; provides funding to the regime; first cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad. 23.6.2011 Brigadier Commander Mohammad Ali JAFARI (a.k.a. JA’FARI, Aziz; a.k.a. JAFARI, Ali; a.k.a. JAFARI, Mohammad Ali; a.k.a. JA’FARI, Mohammad Ali; a.k.a. JAFARI-NAJAFABADI, Mohammad Ali) DOB 1 Sep 1957; POB Yazd, Iran. General Commander of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, involved in providing equipment and support to help the Syria regime suppress protests in Syria. 23.6.2011 Major General Qasem SOLEIMANI (a. k. a Qasim SOLEIMANY) Commander of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC – Qods, involved in providing equipment and support to help the Syria regime suppress protests in Syria. 23.6.2011 Hossein TAEB (a.k.a. TAEB, Hassan; a.k.a. TAEB, Hosein; a.k.a. TAEB, Hossein; a.k.a. TAEB, Hussayn; a.k.a. Hojjatoleslam Hossein TA’EB) DOB 1963; POB Tehran, Iran. Deputy Commander for Intelligence of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, involved in providing equipment and support to help the Syria regime suppress protests in Syria. 23.6.2011 Khalid QADDUR Business associate of Maher Al- Assad; provides funding to the regime. 23.6.2011 Ra’if AL-QUWATLI (a.k.a. Ri’af AL-QUWATLI) Business associate of Maher Al- Assad; provides funding to the regime. 23.6.2011 Bena Properties Controlled by Rami Makhlouf; provides funding to the regime. 23.6.2011 Al Mashreq Investment Fund (AMIF) (alias Sunduq Al Mashrek Al Istithmari) P.O. Box 108, Damascus Tel.: 963 112110059 / 963112110043 Fax: 963 933333149 Controlled by Rami Makhlouf; provides funding to the regime. 23.6.2011 Hamcho International (a.k.a. Hamsho International Group) Baghdad Street, P.O. Box 8254, Damascus Tel.: 963 112316675 Fax: 963 112318875 Website: www.hamshointl.com Email: info@hamshointl. com et hamshogroup@yahoo.com Controlled by Mohammad Hamcho or Hamsho; provides funding to the regime. 23.6.2011 Military Housing Establishment (alias MILIHOUSE) Public works company controlled by Riyad Shalish and Ministry of Defence; provides funding to the regime. 23.6.2011

COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 504/2011 of 23 May 2011 implementing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria (adding of persons – including president of Syria) EU 504/2011 & Background

Name Person / Entity Identifying information Reasons Date of listing Bashar Al-Assad Born on 11 September 1965 in Damascus; diplomatic passport No. D1903 President of the Republic; person authorising and supervising the crackdown on demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Maher (a.k.a. Mahir) Al-Assad Born on 8 December 1967; diplomatic passport No. 4138 Commander of the Army’s 4th Armoured Division, member of Baath Party Central Command, strongman of the Republican Guard; brother of President Bashar Al- Assad; principal overseer of violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Ali Mamluk (a.k.a. Mamlouk) Born on 19 February 1946 in Damascus; diplomatic passport No. 983 Head of Syrian General Intelligence Directorate (GID); involved in violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Sha’ar (a.k.a. Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Chaar) Minister of Interior; involved in violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Atej (a.k.a Atef, Atif) Najib Former Head of the Political Security Directorate in Deraa; cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad; involved in violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Hafiz Makhluf (a.k.a. Hafez Makhlouf) Born on 2 April 1971 in Damascus; diplomatic passport No. 2246 Colonel and Head of Unit in General Intelligence Directorate, Damascus Branch; cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad; close to Maher Al-Assad; involved in violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Muhammad Dib Zaytun (a.k.a.Mohammed Dib Zeitoun) Born on 20 May 1951 in Damascus; diplomatic passport No. D000001300 Head of Political Security Directorate; involved in violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Amjad Al-Abbas Head of Political Security in Banyas, involved in violence against demonstrators in Baida. 23.05.2011 Rami Makhlouf Born on 10 July 1969 in Damascus, passport No. 454 224 Syrian businessman; associate of Maher Al- Assad; cousin of President Bashar Al-Assad; provides funding to the regime allowing violence against demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Abd Al-Fatah Qudsiyah Born in 1953 in Hama; diplomatic passport No. D0005788 Head of Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI); involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Jamil Hassan Head of Syrian Air Force Intelligence; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Rustum Ghazali Born on 3 May 1953 in Dara’a; diplomatic passport No. D000000887 Head of Syrian Military Intelligence, Damascus Countryside Branch; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Fawwaz Al-Assad Born on 18 June 1962 in Kerdala; passport No. 88238 Involved in the crackdown on the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia. 23.05.2011 Munzir Al-Assad Born on 1 March 1961 in Lattakia; passport No. 86449 and No. 842 781 Involved in the crackdown on the civilian population as part of the Shabiha militia. 23.05.2011 Asif Shawkat Born on 15 January 1950 in Al-Madehleh, Tartus Deputy Chief of Staff for Security and Reconnaissance; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Hisham Ikhtiyar Born in 1941 Head of Syrian National Security Bureau; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Faruq Al Shar’ Born on 10 December 1938 Vice-President of Syria; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Muhammad Nasif Khayrbik Born on 10 April 1937 (alt. 20 May 1937) in Hama, diplomatic passport No. 0002250 Deputy Vice-President of Syria for National Security Affairs; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Mohamed Hamcho Born on 20 May 1966; passport No. 002954347 Brother-in-law of Maher Al-Assad; businessman and local agent for several foreign companies; provides funding to the regime allowing the crackdown on demonstrators. 23.05.2011 Iyad (a.k.a. Eyad) Makhlouf Born on 21 January 1973 in Damascus; passport No. N001820740 Brother of Rami Makhlouf and GID Officer involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Bassam Al Hassan Presidential Advisor for Strategic Affairs; involved in the crackdown on the civilian population. 23.05.2011 Dawud Rajiha Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces responsible for the military involvement in the crackdown on peaceful protesters. 23.05.2011 Ihab (a.k.a. Ehab, Iehab) Makhlouf Born on 21 January 1973 in Damascus; passport no. N002848852 Vice-President of SyriaTel and caretaker for Rami Makhlouf’s US company; provides funding to the regime allowing the crackdown on demonstrators. 23.05.2011

May 9, 2011 – Council Regulation (EU) No 442/2011 of 9 May 2011 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

COUNCIL DECISION 2011/273/CFSP of 9 May 2011 concerning restrictive measures against Syria.

The sale, supply, transfer or export of arms and related matériel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts for the aforementioned, as well as equipment which might be used for internal repression, to Syria by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft, shall be prohibited, whether originating or not in their territories.

Article -1-

It shall be prohibited to:

1. provide, directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services or other services related to the items aforementioned matériel or related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance and use of such items, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in, or for use in, Syria;
2. provide, directly or indirectly, financing or financial assistance related to aforementioned matériel, including in particular grants, loans and export credit insurance, for any sale, supply, transfer or export of such items, or for the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services or other services to any natural or legal person, entity or body in, or for use in, Syria;
3. participate, knowingly and intentionally, in activities, the object or effect of which is to circumvent the prohibitions referred to in points (1) or (2).

Article -3-

• Member States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the entry into, or transit through, their territories of the persons responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria, and persons associated with them, as listed in the Annex.

Article -4-

• All funds and economic resources belonging to, owned, held or controlled by persons responsible for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria, and natural or legal persons, and entities associated with them, as listed in the Annex, shall be frozen.
• No funds or economic resources shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of, natural or legal persons or entities listed in the Annex.

The competent authority of a Member State may authorise the release (under conditions) of certain frozen funds or economic resources, or the making available of certain funds or economic resources.

For more information EU Sanctions on Syria

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 305/2006 of 21 February 2006 imposing specific restrictive measures against certain persons suspected of involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri

(Acts adopted under Title V of the Treaty on European Union)

COUNCIL COMMON POSITION 2005/888/CFSP of 12 December 2005 concerning specific restrictive measures against certain persons suspected of involvement in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri

EU Sanctions

UK

July 24, 2013 – Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 697/2013 of 22 July 2013 amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

UK-EU Sanctions

June 04, 2013 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 363/2013 of 22 April 2013 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria (amendments)

UK-EU sanctions

May 08, 2013 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 363/2013 of 22 April 2013 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

UK-EU Sanctions

April 16, 2013 – Council Regulation (EU) No 325/2013 of 10 April 2013 amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

UK-EU 325/2013

November 30, 2012 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 1117/2012 of 29 November 2012 implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

UK-EU 1117/2012

October 17, 2012 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 944/2012 – implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

UK & EU 944/2012

August 17, 2012 – Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 742/2012 – of 16 August 2012 implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria

• DREX TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING S.A. Address: 17 rue Beaumont, Luxembourg, L-1219 (Previous address) Other Information: Registered in Luxembourg under number B77616. Beneficial owner is Rami Makhlouf

UK-EU 742/2012

July 25, 2012 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No. 673/2012 of 23 July 2012 implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. UK-EU 673/2012

ENTITIES <sort> COTTON MARKETING ORGANISATION Address: Bab Al-Faraj, PO Box 729, Aleppo. DREX TECHNOLOGIES S.A. Other Information: Incorporation date 4 July 2000. Incorporation number 394678. Director is Rami Makhlouf. Registered agent is Mossack Fonseca & Co (BVI) Ltd SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES (SAA) a.k.a: Syrian Air </sort> INDIVIDUALS <sort> AL-ABDULLAH, Suhail AL-ACHI, Amer AL-AHMED, Jawdat Title: Brigadier General AL-AHMED, Riad Title: Major General AL-ALI, NASR Title: Brigadier General AL-HAMED, Firas Title: Brigadier General AL-JARROUCHEH, Ahmed AL-MISRI, Bassam BILAL, Bassel HALLAQ, Issam Title: General HAMAD, Salah Title: Brigadier General ISMAEL, Ezzedine DOB: –/–/1947. ISMAIL, Ghassan, Jaoudat Title: General JOUMAA, Samir DOB: –/–/1962. KAFAN, Ahmad Other Information: Police officer at Idlib central prison KASSOUHA, Michel DOB: 01/02/1948. KHALLOUF, Muhammad Title: Brigadier General KHUDR, Khudr Title: Brigadier General LUQA, Hussam Title: Brigadier General MA’ALA, Ibrahim Title: Brigadier General MAHMOUD, Abdul, Salam, Fajr Title: Brigadier General MASA, Sha’afiq MIHOUB, Qusay Title: Colonel NASR, Mohammed, Ali Title: General QADOUR, Burhan Title: Brigadier General TAHA, Taha Title: Brigadier General </sort>

June 26, 2012 – Implementing EU Council Regulation 545/2012 of 25 June 2012 – Amending Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

ADDITIONS – INDIVIDUALS

1. SHAABAN , Bouthaina DOB: –/–/1953.

ADDITIONS – ENTITIES

1. GENERAL ORGANISATION OF RADIO AND TV a.k.a: (1) General Radio and Television Corporation
2. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Address: Umayyad Square, Damascus.
3. MINISTRY OF INTERIOR Address: Merjeh Square, Damascus.
4. SYRIA INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK (SIIB) aka: SIIB aka (2) Syrian International Islamic Bank
5. SYRIAN COMPANY FOR OIL TRANSPORT aka: (1) SCOT aka (2) SCOTRACO aka (3) Syrian Crude Oil Transportation Company
6. SYRIAN NATIONAL SECURITY BUREAU

UK-EU 545/2012

May 15, 2012 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No 410/2012 of 14 May 2012 Implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria – Added & Changed – Persons & Entities

UK EU 410/2012

March 26, 2012 – Implementing Regulation (EU) No 266/2012 concerning restrictive measures

Implementing Article 32(1) of Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria – Adding twelve Natural Persons and two Entities. Changing eight Natural Persons

UK-EU Sanctions

February 28, 2012 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No 168/2012 – The EU Council agreed further restrictive measures against Syria in its Council Decision 2012/122/CFSP (“the Decision”) of 27 February 2012. The Decision reflects the Council’s deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Syria and in particular the widespread and systematic violations of human rights. The Decision contains a range of measures, including:

• an asset freeze of further individuals and an entity, the Central Bank of Syria;
• a derogation from the asset freezing measures in relation to the Central Bank of Syria;
• a ban on cargo flights by Syrian carriers to the EU; and
• a ban on the sale, purchase, transportation or brokering of gold, precious metals and diamonds to, from or for the Government of Syria.

UK-EU Sanctions

January 24, 2012 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No 55/2012 – adding of entities (including banks) & persons – UK-EU Sanctions

January 19, 2011 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 – This Notice is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union in view of the situation in Syria. This Notice draws attention to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012, covers certain aspects in Chapters V and VI only of the Regulation and should be read alongside the Regulation. UK-EU 36/2012

On 1 December 2011, the Council adopted Decision 2011/782/CFSP which provides for additional measures, including a prohibition on the export of telecommunications monitoring equipment for use by the Syrian regime, a prohibition on the participation in certain infrastructure projects and investment in such projects, and additional financial restrictions on the provision of financial services.

A Regulation has now been adopted by the Council which introduces these measures into law. In view of the extent of the amendments introduced, taken together with the various measures already adopted by means of numerous amendments to Regulation 442/2011, the Council has decided to consolidate all measures into a new regulation – Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 of 18 January 2012 (“the Regulation”) – which repeals and replaces Regulation 442/2011.

December 02, 2011 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1244/2011 – This notification is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union in view of the situation in Syria. Annex II lists persons, entities or bodies identified by the Council as being responsible for the violent repression of the civilian population in Syria, persons and entities benefiting from or supporting the regime, and natural or legal persons and entities associated with them. UK-EU 1244/2011

November 15, 2011 – UK Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1151/2011 & Regulation (EU) No 1150/2011 – Notification issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union in view of the situation in Syria. The amendments to Regulation 442/2011 take the form of the addition of 18 individuals, and changes to the identifiers of one existing entry. The individuals added are subject to the asset freeze imposed by Regulation 442/2011.

UK EU-1150 & 1151/2011

September 05, 2011 – UK Implementing EU Regulation No 878/2011 – Notice in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Syria. This Notice draws attention to Council Regulation (EU) No 878/2011, covers the asset freezing provisions only of the Regulation and should be read alongside the Regulation. UK EU-878/2011

August 24, 2011 – UK Implementing EU Regulation No 843/2011 – This notification is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Syria. UK EU-843/2011

Note: IRGC Qods Force is listed by the EU and included on the Treasury’s consolidated list under Council Regulation (EU) No 961/2010 [Iran – Nuclear Proliferation]. With its listing by the EU in connection with the situation in Syria, the existing details on the consolidated list have been amalgamated into a single Group ID. The ongoing Group ID is provided in the above listing details.

August 02, 2011 – UK Implementing EU Regulation No 755/2011 – This notification is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Syria. UK EU-755/2011 – Persons referred to in Article 1 of the Regulation

June 24, 2011 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 611/2011 – This notification is issued in respect of the asset-freezing measures directed by the Council of the European Union against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Syria. UK EU-611/2011

May 24, 2011 – Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 504/2011 – This notification is issued in respect of the asset-freezing measures directed by the Council of the European Union against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Syria. UK EU-504/2011

COUNCIL DECISION 2011/273/CFSP of 9 May 2011 concerning restrictive measures against Syria.

The sale, supply, transfer or export of arms and related matériel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment and spare parts for the aforementioned, as well as equipment which might be used for internal repression, to Syria by nationals of Member States or from the territories of Member States or using their flag vessels or aircraft, shall be prohibited, whether originating or not in their territories.

More information UK Sanctions on Syria & UK Sanctions May 09, 2011(EU Based)

By the adoption of UNSCR 1636 (2005) on 31 October 2005, the United Nations imposed travel restrictions and an assets freeze on all individuals suspected of involvement in the planning, sponsoring, organising or perpetrating of the terrorist bombing in Beirut, Lebanon on 14 February 2005 that killed, amongst others, former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Individuals subject to the measures can be designated by the investigating Commission or the Government of Lebanon subject to the agreement of the relevant UN Security Council Sanctions Committee. The measures were introduced ‘as a step to assist in the investigation of this crime and without prejudice to the ultimate judicial determination of the guilt or innocence of any individual’.

To date, no targets have been designated under aforementioned UN sanctions.

UK Sanctions

Swiss

June 22, 2014 – Änderung vom 20.06.2014 mit Inkrafttreten am 23.06.2014

November 05, 2013 – Änderung vom 05.11.2013 mit Inkrafttreten am 06.11.2013

May 07, 2013 – Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

February 13, 2013 – Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien – Bern, 12.02.2013 – Das Eidgenössische Departement für Wirtschaft, Bildung und Forschung WBF hat den Anhang/die Anhänge der Verordnung geändert. Swiss Sanctions

December 20, 2012 – Verschärfung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien

Bern, 20.12.2012 – Der Bundesrat hat am 19. Dezember 2012 die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien punktuell verschärft und damit die schweizerischen Zwangsmassnahmen denjenigen der EU angepasst. Die neuen Bestimmungen treten am 21. Dezember 2012 in Kraft.

Nebst dem bereits bestehenden Verbot des Verkaufs, der Ausfuhr, der Lieferung und der Durchfuhr von Rüstungsgütern aller Art sind neu auch der Kauf, die Beschaffung sowie die Einfuhr solcher Güter aus Syrien untersagt. Zusätzlich wurden Versicherungs- und Rückversicherungsgeschäfte im Zusammenhang mit Rüstungsgütergeschäften sowie dem Bau neuer Kraftwerke verboten. Als weitere Massnahme wurden die Schweizer Flughäfen für die syrische nationale Fluggesellschaft Syrian Arab Airlines gesperrt. Schliesslich wurden die Ausnahmebestimmungen für die Verwendung von gesperrten Geldern erweitert. Neu dürfen solche Gelder für nicht den Sanktionen unterstehende syrische Bürger, die in der Schweiz in einer Ausbildung stehen oder in der akademischen Forschung tätig sind, freigegeben werden.

Der Umfang der von den neuen Sanktionsmassnahmen betroffenen Geschäfte dürfte sehr gering sein. Die Syrian Arab Airlines fliegt bereits heute keine Destinationen in der Schweiz an.

Mit diesen Änderungen schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die EU am 24. September und 15. Oktober 2012 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Angesichts der gewaltsamen Auseinandersetzungen und des kompromisslosen und blutigen Vorgehens des syrischen Regimes gegen die Zivilbevölkerung hat die Schweiz bereits am 18. Mai 2011 Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien ergriffen, welche seither regelmässig im Einklang mit der EU ausgeweitet wurden. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen sind in der Schweiz bisher syrische Vermögenswerte im Umfang von rund 130 Millionen Franken eingefroren worden.

Swiss Sanctions

October 26, 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien Änderung vom 25. Oktober 2012

Names of persons & entities added to the list – Swiss Sanctions

September 03, 2012 – Änderung vom 30.August 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Designation of:

• Drex Technologies Holding S.A. – Eingetragen in Luxemburg unter der Nummer B77616; Anschrift des ehemaligen Sitzes: 17, rue Beaumont L-1219 Luxembourg

Wirtschaftlicher Eigentümer der Drex Technologies Holding S.A. ist Rami Makhlouf, der wegen finanzieller Unterstützung des syrischen Regimes in die Sanktionsliste aufgenommen wurde.

Swiss Sanctions

August 14, 2012 – Änderung vom 13.August 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Adding of names Änderung vom 13. August 2012 – Letzte Änderung: 14.08.2012

July 18, 2012 – Änderung vom 16. Juli 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Bern, 18.07.2012 – Das Eidgenössische Volkswirtschaftsdepartement EVD hat den Anhang/die Anhänge der Verordnung geändert. Adding of Names

June 08, 2012 – Verschärfung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien

Bern, 08.06.2012 – Der Bundesrat hat am 8. Juni 2012 die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien verschärft und eine Reihe neuer Zwangsmassnahmen gegenüber dem syrischen Staat erlassen. Dadurch soll der Druck auf das Regime von Präsident Assad erhöht werden, damit dieses die Eskalation der Gewalt einstellt und die Missachtung der Menschenrechte beendet. Die neuen Zwangsmassnahmen treten am 9. Juni 2012 in Kraft.

Die neuen Sanktionsmassnahmen orientieren sich eng an denjenigen, welche die Europäische Union (EU) bisher gegenüber Damaskus verhängt hat. Sie umfassen weitere Handelsbeschränkungen. So wird die Ausfuhr von wichtigen Ausrüstungsgütern für die Erdöl- und Erdgasindustrie, für die Erstellung neuer Kraftwerke zur Stromerzeugung sowie zur Überwachung des Internets und des Telefonverkehrs untersagt. Die Erbringung von Dienstleistungen und die Gewährung von Finanzmitteln in diesem Zusammenhang wurden ebenfalls verboten. Die Lieferung und der Kauf von Edelmetallen und Diamanten an den bzw. vom syrischen Staat sind nicht mehr erlaubt. Frachtflüge syrischer Luftverkehrsgesellschaften aus der bzw. in die Schweiz dürfen nicht mehr stattfinden.

Im Finanzbereich wurde neu die syrische Zentralbank den Sanktionen unterstellt, womit ihre Gelder in der Schweiz eingefroren werden. Der Handel mit neu ausgegebenen staatlichen syrischen Anleihen wurde untersagt. In der Schweiz tätige Finanzinstitute dürfen keine neuen Geschäftsbeziehungen mit syrischen Banken eingehen, und der Abschluss neuer Versicherungen und Rückversicherungen mit dem syrischen Staat wurde verboten.

Angesichts der gewaltsamen Auseinandersetzungen und des kompromisslosen und blutigen Vorgehens des syrischen Regimes gegen die Zivilbevölkerung hatte die Schweiz bereits am 18. Mai 2011 Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien ergriffen, welche seither regelmässig ausgeweitet wurden. Die bisher in Kraft gesetzten Massnahmen umfassen ein Rüstungsgüterembargo, ein Embargo für Güter, welche für die interne Repression verwendet werden können, ein Erdölembargo, ein Verbot der Lieferung von Banknoten und Münzen sowie Finanz- und Reisesanktionen gegenüber 128 natürlichen Personen und 42 Unternehmen, welche mit dem Regime von Präsident Assad eng verbunden oder unmittelbar an der Repression beteiligt sind. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen sind in der Schweiz bisher Vermögenswerte von rund 70 Millionen Schweizer Franken eingefroren worden.

Durch die eng an die EU angelehnte Verschärfung der Sanktionsmassnahmen wird ebenfalls verhindert, dass es zu Umgehungsgeschäften über die Schweiz kommt.

Die bereits bestehende Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien wurde aufgrund der zahlreichen Änderungen einer Totalrevision unterzogen.

Swiss Sanctions Message & Swiss Sanctions

April 23, 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Anhang 2 der Verordnung vom 18. Mai 2011 über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien wird gemäss Beilage geändert. Swiss Sanctions

March 09, 2012 – Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien – Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 eine Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die restriktiven Massnahmen wurden aufgrund der seit rund zwei Monaten anhaltenden gewaltsamen Unterdrückung von friedlichen Protesten der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte erlassen.

In Anhang 2 wurden 7 weitere natürliche Personen ergänzt (Liste A, Nummern 109 – 115), ein Eintrag (Nr. 52) wurde gelöscht. Swiss Sanctions

February 06, 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien – Adding of names, follow the link for more information Swiss Sanctions. Total number of 108 persons (was 74) and 38 entities (was 19) sanctioned.

December 09, 2011 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien Änderung vom 7. Dezember 2011 – In Anhang 2 wurden 18 weitere natürliche Personen (Liste A, Nr. 57 bis 74) und eine juristische Person (Liste B, Nr. 19 (Commercial Bank of Syria)) ergänzt. Die Güter mit der Zolltarifnummer 2711 sind von den Sanktionsmassnahmen befreit.

Personen <sort> 57. Jumah Al-Ahmad 58. Lu’ai al-Ali Oberst. 59. Ali Abdullah Ayyub 60. Jasim al-Furayj 61. Aous (Aws) Aslan 62. Ghassan Belal 63. Abdullah Berri 64. George Chaoui 65. Zuhair Hamad 66. Amar Ismael 67. Mujahed Ismail 68. Saqr Khayr Bek 69. Nazih Generalmajor 70. Kifah Moulhem 71. Wajih Mahmud 72. Bassam Sabbagh 73. Tala Mustafa Tlass 74. Fu’ad Tawil </sort> Entities

• 19. Commercial Bank of Syria

Änderung vom 7. Dezember 2011

October 04, 2011 – In Anhang 2 wurden 2 weitere natürliche Personen ergänzt (Liste A, Nummern 55 und 56) und 6 juristische Personen eingefügt (Liste B, Nummern 13 – 18)

Personen

• 55. Tayseer Qala, Awwad
• 56. Dr. Adnan Hassan, Mahmoud

Entities

• 13. Addounia TV (alias Dounia TV) – Aufstachelung zur Gewalt gegen die Zivilbevölkerung in Syrien.
• 14. Cham Holding Cham Holding, Building Daraa Highway, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya Rif Dimashq, Syrien – Unter der Kontrolle von Rami
• Makhlouf; größte Holdinggesellschaft Syriens, zieht Nutzen aus dem Regime und unterstützt es.
• 15. El-Tel Co. (alias El-Tel Middle East Company) – www.eltelme.com – Herstellung und Lieferung von Telekommunikationsausrüstung für das Militär.
• 16. Ramak Constructions Co. – Bau von Kasernen, Grenzposten und anderen Gebäuden für militärische Zwecke.
• 17. Souruh Company (alias Soroh Al Cham Company) – http://sites.google.com/site/sorohco – Investitionen in örtliche Rüstungsprojekte, Herstellung von Waffenteilen und dazugehörigen Erzeugnissen; zu 100 % im Eigentum von Rami Makhlouf.
• 18. Syriatel Thawra Street, Ste Building 6. Etage, P.O. Box 2900 – http://syriatel.sy/ – Unter der Kontrolle von Rami Makhlouf; unterstützt das Regime finanziell: zahlt im Rahmen seines Lizenzvertrags 50 % seines Gewinns an die Regierung.

Swiss Sanctions October 04, 2011 – full names list

September 30, 2011 – Ausweitung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien – Der Bundesrat hat am 30. September 2011 die Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien weiter verschärft und neue Investitionen im Erdölsektor verboten. Die Lieferung von neuen Banknoten und Münzen an die syrische Zentralbank wurde ebenfalls untersagt. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 24. September 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die neuen Massnahmen treten am 1. Oktober 2011 in Kraft.

Angesichts der anhaltenden Repression der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte hat der Bundesrat beschlossen, die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien im Einklang mit der EU weiter zu verschärfen.

Neu dürfen syrischen Personen oder Organisationen, die an der Exploration, Förderung oder der Raffination von Erdöl beteiligt sind, keine Darlehen und Kredite mehr gewährt werden. Es ist ferner untersagt, neue Beteiligungen bei solchen Personen oder Organisationen zu erwerben oder auszubauen und mit ihnen Joint Ventures zu gründen. Diese Verbote gelten nicht für Verträge, die vor dem 1. Oktober 2011 abgeschlossen wurden. Ebenso wurde es untersagt, der syrischen Zentralbank auf die syrische Landeswährung lautende neue Banknoten oder Münzen zu liefern oder zu verkaufen.

Die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen der neuen Massnahmen dürften gering bleiben. Es sind keine Schweizer Investitionen im Erdölbereich in Syrien bekannt. In der Schweiz hergestellte Banknoten und Münzen in syrischer Landeswährung wurden bereits bisher nicht nach Syrien exportiert. Mit den Massnahmen soll jedoch verhindert werden, dass die Sanktionen der EU über die Schweiz umgangen werden können.

Die bisherigen Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien umfassen u.a. ein Rüstungsgüterembargo, ein Lieferverbot für Güter, die für die interne Repression verwendet werden können, ein Einfuhrverbot für Erdöl und Erdölprodukte sowie Finanz- und Reisesanktionen gegen 54 natürliche Personen und 12 Unternehmen und Organisationen. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen wurden in der Schweiz Vermögenswerte im Umfang von rund 45 Mio. CHF eingefroren. Änderung vom 30. September 2011

September 23, 2011 – Verschärfung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien – Bern, 23.09.2011 – Der Bundesrat hat am 23. September 2011 die Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien weiter verschärft und die Einfuhr, den Kauf und den Transport von syrischem Erdöl und Erdölprodukten verboten. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 2. September 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die neuen Massnahmen treten am 24. September 2011 in Kraft. Angesichts der anhaltenden Repression der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte hat der Bundesrat beschlossen, die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien weiter zu verschärfen.

Neu wurden die Einfuhr, der Kauf und der Transport von syrischem Erdöl und Erdölprodukten verboten. Die Bereitstellung von Finanzmitteln, Versicherungen und Rückversicherungen im Zusammenhang mit solchen Geschäften wurde ebenfalls untersagt. Bereits bestehende Verträge dürfen noch bis am 15. November 2011 umgesetzt werden und müssen dem Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (SECO) gemeldet werden. Mit den neuen Bestimmungen schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die EU am 2. September 2011 gegenüber Syrien beschlossen hatte.

Der Grossteil der Erdölexporte Syriens geht in die Europäische Union. Die Schweiz hat schon seit Jahren kein Erdöl und keine Erdölprodukte mehr aus Syrien eingeführt, der letzte Import im Umfang von 4 Mio. CHF geht auf das Jahr 2005 zurück. Dementsprechend werden sich die neuen Verbote auch nicht auf die Versorgungslage der Schweiz auswirken.

Die bisherigen Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien umfassen ein Rüstungs-güterembargo, ein Lieferverbot für Güter, die für die interne Repression verwendet werden können, sowie Finanz- und Reisesanktionen gegen 54 natürliche Personen und 12 Unternehmen und Organisationen. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen wurden in der Schweiz Vermögenswerte im Umfang von rund 45 Mio. CHF eingefroren. SECO Statement

Bern 12.09.2011 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien Änderung vom 9. September 2011 – In Anhang 2 wurden 19 weitere natürliche Personen ergänzt (Liste A, Nummern 36 bis 54) und 8 juristische Personen eingefügt. Swiss Sanctions September 09, 2011

Bern, 17.08.2011 – Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 eine Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die restriktiven Massnahmen wurden aufgrund der seit rund zwei Monaten anhaltenden gewaltsamen Unterdrückung von friedlichen Protesten der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte erlassen. – Swiss Sanctions August 18, 2011

Bern, 24.05.2011 – Anhang 2 wurde um 10 Einträge ergänzt (Nr. 1 sowie Nr. 15-23). Zudem wurden verschiedene bestehende Einträge ergänzt bzw. abgeändert. Swiss Sanctions May 24, 2011

Bern, 18.05.2011 – Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 auf der Grundlage des Embargogesetzes eine neue Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die Verordnung tritt am 19. Mai 2011 in Kraft. Swiss Sanctions May 18, 2011

Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 eine Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die restriktiven Massnahmen wurden aufgrund der seit rund zwei Monaten anhaltenden gewaltsamen Unterdrückung von friedlichen Protesten der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte erlassen.

Die Verordnung sieht die folgenden Massnahmen vor:

Rüstungsgüterembargo

• Der Verkauf, die Lieferung, die Ausfuhr und die Durchfuhr von Rüstungsgütern aller Art, einschliesslich Waffen und Munition, Militärfahrzeugen und -ausrüstung, paramilitärischer Ausrüstung sowie Zubehör und Ersatzteilen dafür, nach Syrien sind verboten (Art. 1 Abs. 1).
• Ebenfalls verboten sind der Verkauf, die Lieferung, die Ausfuhr und die Durchfuhr von Gütern nach Anhang 1, die zur internen Repression benützt werden können (Art. 1 Abs. 2).
• Die Erbringung von Dienstleistungen aller Art, einschliesslich Finanzdienstleistungen, Vermittlungsdiensten und technischer Beratung, sowie die Gewährung von Finanzmitteln im Zusammenhang mit dem Verkauf, der Lieferung, der Ausfuhr, der Durchfuhr, der Herstellung oder der Verwendung von Gütern nach den Absätzen 1 und 2 sind verboten (Art. 1 Abs. 3).

Sperrung von Geldern und wirtschaftlichen Ressourcen

• Gelder und wirtschaftliche Ressourcen, die sich im Eigentum oder unter der Kontrolle der natürlichen Personen, Unternehmen und Organisationen nach Anhang 2 befinden, sind gesperrt (Art. 2 Abs. 1).
• Es ist verboten, den von der Sperrung betroffenen natürlichen Personen, Unternehmen und Organisationen Gelder zu überweisen oder Gelder und wirtschaftliche Ressourcen sonstwie direkt oder indirekt zur Verfügung zu stellen (Art. 2 Abs. 2).
• Personen und Institutionen, die Gelder halten oder verwalten oder von wirtschaft­lichen Ressourcen wissen, von denen anzunehmen ist, dass sie unter die Sperrung nach Artikel 2 Absatz 1 fallen, müssen dies dem SECO unverzüglich melden (Art. 6 Abs. 1).

Reisesanktionen

• Die Einreise in die Schweiz oder die Durchreise durch die Schweiz ist den in Anhang 2 aufgeführten natürlichen Personen verboten (Art. 4 Abs. 1).
• Das Bundesamt für Migration (BFM) kann Ausnahmen gewähren aus erwiesenen humanitären Gründen, zwecks Teilnahme an internationalen Konferenzen oder an einem politischen Dialog betreffend Syrien oder zur Wahrung schweizerischer Interessen (Art. 4 Abs. 2).

Massnahmen gegenüber bestimmten Personen in Zusammenhang mit dem Attentat auf Rafik Hariri

Der Bundesrat hat am 21.12.2005 per Verordnung Zwangsmassnahmen gegen Personen beschlossen, die der Beteiligung am Attentat auf den ehemaligen libanesischen Premierminister Rafik Hariri verdächtigt werden. Mit der Verordnung setzt die Schweiz die UNO-Sicherheitsratsresolution 1636 (2005) vom 31.10.2005 um. Die Verordnung sieht folgende Massnahmen vor:

• Finanzsanktionen
• Reiserestriktionen

Die von den Finanz- und Reiserestriktionen betroffenen Personen sind vom zuständigen Sanktionskomitee der UNO bisher nicht bezeichnet worden. Sobald diese Namensliste vorliegt, wird sie in die schweizerische Sanktionsverordnung übernommen werden.

Swiss Sanctions

[Category:SWISS Embargoed Countries]]

Arab League

November 27, 2011 & December 03, 2011 – The Arab League approved sanctions against Syria to pressure Damascus to end its deadly eight-month crackdown on dissent, an unprecedented move by the League against an Arab state. The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership last month for its inability to stem bloodshed in the unrest, which United Nations says has left more than 4,000 people dead.

The sanctions include:

• Syrian officials and VIP’s are banned from traveling to Arab states
• Asset freeze of (named) Syrian officials and VIP’s
• Arms embargo
• Flights of Arab airlines to Syria are to be stopped
• All dealings with the Syrian central bank and the state-owned Commercial Bank of Syria (CBS) are suspended
• Financial dealings and trade agreements with the Syrian government are halted
• Bank assets of the Syrian government are frozen
• Arab financing of new projects in Syria is stopped

Top personalities not featured on the list are President Assad himself and his foreign minister, Walid al-Moualem, which may be to allow them to make international appearances or to leave room for them to leave power and seek asylum abroad.

Here are some facts about the most prominent names on the Arab League’s new travel ban list:

• MAHER HAFEZ AL-ASSAD – Commander of the Republican Guard, Maher is second only to his brother Bashar al-Assad in power. He controls the Presidential Guard and the Fourth Armoured Division, units which form the state’s security backbone.
• RAMI MAKHLOUF – Assad’s influential cousin who was a close friend and confidante to the president, Makhlouf has long been accused of corrupt business practices and has been sanctioned by several countries this year on charges of bankrolling the government.
• ASSEF SHAWKAT – Former head of military intelligence, now deputy chief-of-staff of the armed forces. Born in the port city of Tartous and married to Assad’s sister. The two eloped in 1995.
• RUSTAM GHAZALI – The head of Syria’s military intelligence for its rural Damascus branch, Ghazali was blacklisted by the EU this year.
• HAFEZ MAKHLOUF – A cousin and childhood friend of Bashar al-Assad and brother of tycoon Rami Makhlouf, he is an army colonel and head of the Damascus branch of the General Security Directorate — the largest civilian intelligence service in Syria.
• ATIF NAJIB – The Alawite brigadier general was the head of the Political Security Directorate for Deraa, a majority Sunni area, during March 2011 when protests first erupted and security forces killed several protesters.
• ABDULFATTAH QUDSIYEH – The head of military intelligence, formerly head of air force intelligence, the agency’s prime prerogative is to ensure the loyalty of the army and in countering foreign espionage.
• DAOUD ABDULLAH RAJHA – The new defence minister, 64-year-old Rajha is an Orthodox Greek Christian, though most of the military power in Syria remains in the hands of the Alawites.
• MOHAMMED IBRAHIM AL-SHAAR – Before his recent appointment as interior minister, Shaar was commander of military police and was placed under EU sanctions earlier this

November 12, 2011 – The Arab League approved a sweeping package of measures censuring Syria, clearing the way for a significant escalation of international pressure against President Bashar al-Assad and deepening the isolation of his increasingly embattled government.

The 22-member regional body said it would suspend Syria’s membership, impose sanctions and seek U.N. help unless the Syrian government stops using violence to suppress the country’s eight-month-old uprising. At least 3,500 civilians have died in the crackdown, according to the United Nations. (Source: The Washington Post)

Turkey

December 07, 2011 – Turkey announced on December 07, 2011 a new set of sanctions against Syria as ties between the two former allies strained further over the Damascus regime’s deadly crackdown on opponents.

“We will impose 30 percent tax on goods coming from Syria,” Customs and Trade Minister Hayati Yazici was quoted as saying by the private NTV television.

(Source: Al Arabiya)

November 30, 2011 – Turkey will end relations with Syria’s central bank; halt all credit to the Syrian government; halt new transactions with the Commercial Bank of Syria; and freeze an existing credit agreement signed to support Turkish involvement in Syrian infrastructure projects.

Other sanctions included a travel ban and asset freeze for individuals in the regime accused of taking part in illegal actions against civilians, as well as for businessmen close to the regime.

(Source: WSJ)

Norway

April 24, 2012 – Press Release concerning Security Council resolution on Syria sends a positive signal

“The resolution adopted unanimously by the Security Council sends a positive signal that the international community is now more united in demanding an end to the violence in Syria. The Syrian authorities must halt the violence immediately and facilitate the deployment of the observers,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Security Council 21 April voted to deploy a supervision mission comprising 300 unarmed military observers, including civilian experts, to Syria. The observers will be sent to Syria for an initial 90-day period once UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is satisfied that the Syrian authorities are complying with their obligations. The agreement builds on last week’s resolution authorising an advance team of observers to be sent to Syria to prepare for the deployment of a larger supervision mission.

Since the deployment of the advance team last week, the violence in Syria has continued. The Syrian authorities have also failed to comply with their obligations, which include stopping the fighting and withdrawing troops and heavy weapons from population centres. Moreover, a lack of helicopters means that the observers are unable to visit conflict-ridden areas. If they are to succeed, the observers must be given full freedom of movement.

“The Syrian authorities have not given the advance team of observers the freedom of movement or the access it was promised. We must therefore have realistic expectations as to what the observers can achieve, in the absence of a genuine willingness to cooperate on the part of the Syrian authorities. Nevertheless, I hope that the presence of the supervision mission, once it is deployed, can help to limit the use of violence in the country,” Mr Støre said.

“This is a high-risk mission, and it is just the first step towards implementing Kofi Annan’s peace plan. The supervision mission is no substitute for a peaceful, political solution to the crisis in Syria that safeguards the Syrian people’s rights to democracy and freedom. At best, the observers can help to improve the security situation, which would increase the chances of achieving an inclusive political transition,” commented Mr Støre.

Norway Press Release

September 26, 2011 – Norway aligns itself with Council decision to reinforce EU sanctions against Syria – “The Syrian authorities are continuing their brutal treatment of the people of the country and disregarding the appeals from the international community to refrain from using violence. The EU therefore decided today to reinforce its sanctions against Syria, and Norway aligns itself with this decision,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

On 23 September the Council of the European Union decided to ban investment in key sectors of the Syrian oil industry and the delivery of Syrian-denominated bank notes and coinage produced in the EU to the Syrian Central Bank. It also added two more persons and six entities to the list of those targeted by the current asset freeze and travel ban.

“The situation in Syrian continues to give cause for deep concern. According to the UN, more than 2 700 people have been killed since the protests began in March. Norway will continue to put pressure on the Syrian authorities to meet the Syrian people’s legitimate demands for democracy, freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights,” said Mr Støre.

Regjeringen Press Release 20110926

September 06, 2011 – Norway aligns itself with new EU sanctions against Syria – “The Syrian regime has not stopped the violence against its own people in spite of international condemnation. We agree with the clear signals from the EU to the regime in Syria. Norway will therefore align itself with the EU’s expanded sanctions against Syria,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

On 2 September, the Council of the European Union decided to ban the import of Syrian oil to the EU. The prohibition applies to the purchase, import and transport of oil and other petroleum products from Syria, as well as any financial or insurance services provided for such transactions. At the same time the Council decided that the travel ban and assets freeze on specific individuals and entities associated with the Syrian regime should be expanded and that the arms embargo imposed on Syria earlier should remain in place.

“The situation in Syria continues to give cause for grave concern. There are still reports of new killings, attacks on protesters and abuse of prisoners. Norway therefore intends to continue to cooperate with the international community in responding to the Syrian regime and to make it clear that the regime must comply with the Syrian people’s legitimate demand that fundamental human rights must be respected,” said Mr Støre.

Regjeringen Press Release 20110908

May 23, 2011 – Norway aligns itself with extended EU restrictive measures against Syria – “The situation in Syria is deteriorating. This means that even stronger reactions are required from the international community. Norway has therefore decided to align itself with the EU’s strengthened measures against Syria, which now also target the highest level of political leadership in the country,” Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented.

More information on the EU Third Countries alignment page.

On 23 May, the EU decided to extend the restrictive measures against Syria adopted on 9 May to the highest level of leadership in Syria. The measures include an assets freeze, visa ban and an embargo on exports to Syria of arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression. Norwegian Press Release

May 13, 2011 – Norway aligns itself with EU sanctions against Syria – Norway has decided to align itself with the EU’s sanctions against Syria. “Norway supports international efforts to bring an end to the unacceptable use of violence against the Syrian people,” commented Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13.05.2011

== Swiss == – October 26, 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien Änderung vom 25. Oktober 2012′

Names of persons & entities added to the list – Swiss Sanctions

September 03, 2012 – Änderung vom 30.August 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Designation of:

• Drex Technologies Holding S.A. – Eingetragen in Luxemburg unter der Nummer B77616; Anschrift des ehemaligen Sitzes: 17, rue Beaumont L-1219 Luxembourg

Wirtschaftlicher Eigentümer der Drex Technologies Holding S.A. ist Rami Makhlouf, der wegen finanzieller Unterstützung des syrischen Regimes in die Sanktionsliste aufgenommen wurde.

Swiss Sanctions

August 14, 2012 – Änderung vom 13.August 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Adding of names Änderung vom 13. August 2012 – Letzte Änderung: 14.08.2012

July 18, 2012 – Änderung vom 16. Juli 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Bern, 18.07.2012 – Das Eidgenössische Volkswirtschaftsdepartement EVD hat den Anhang/die Anhänge der Verordnung geändert. Adding of Names

June 08, 2012 – Verschärfung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien

Bern, 08.06.2012 – Der Bundesrat hat am 8. Juni 2012 die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien verschärft und eine Reihe neuer Zwangsmassnahmen gegenüber dem syrischen Staat erlassen. Dadurch soll der Druck auf das Regime von Präsident Assad erhöht werden, damit dieses die Eskalation der Gewalt einstellt und die Missachtung der Menschenrechte beendet. Die neuen Zwangsmassnahmen treten am 9. Juni 2012 in Kraft.

Die neuen Sanktionsmassnahmen orientieren sich eng an denjenigen, welche die Europäische Union (EU) bisher gegenüber Damaskus verhängt hat. Sie umfassen weitere Handelsbeschränkungen. So wird die Ausfuhr von wichtigen Ausrüstungsgütern für die Erdöl- und Erdgasindustrie, für die Erstellung neuer Kraftwerke zur Stromerzeugung sowie zur Überwachung des Internets und des Telefonverkehrs untersagt. Die Erbringung von Dienstleistungen und die Gewährung von Finanzmitteln in diesem Zusammenhang wurden ebenfalls verboten. Die Lieferung und der Kauf von Edelmetallen und Diamanten an den bzw. vom syrischen Staat sind nicht mehr erlaubt. Frachtflüge syrischer Luftverkehrsgesellschaften aus der bzw. in die Schweiz dürfen nicht mehr stattfinden.

Im Finanzbereich wurde neu die syrische Zentralbank den Sanktionen unterstellt, womit ihre Gelder in der Schweiz eingefroren werden. Der Handel mit neu ausgegebenen staatlichen syrischen Anleihen wurde untersagt. In der Schweiz tätige Finanzinstitute dürfen keine neuen Geschäftsbeziehungen mit syrischen Banken eingehen, und der Abschluss neuer Versicherungen und Rückversicherungen mit dem syrischen Staat wurde verboten.

Angesichts der gewaltsamen Auseinandersetzungen und des kompromisslosen und blutigen Vorgehens des syrischen Regimes gegen die Zivilbevölkerung hatte die Schweiz bereits am 18. Mai 2011 Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien ergriffen, welche seither regelmässig ausgeweitet wurden. Die bisher in Kraft gesetzten Massnahmen umfassen ein Rüstungsgüterembargo, ein Embargo für Güter, welche für die interne Repression verwendet werden können, ein Erdölembargo, ein Verbot der Lieferung von Banknoten und Münzen sowie Finanz- und Reisesanktionen gegenüber 128 natürlichen Personen und 42 Unternehmen, welche mit dem Regime von Präsident Assad eng verbunden oder unmittelbar an der Repression beteiligt sind. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen sind in der Schweiz bisher Vermögenswerte von rund 70 Millionen Schweizer Franken eingefroren worden.

Durch die eng an die EU angelehnte Verschärfung der Sanktionsmassnahmen wird ebenfalls verhindert, dass es zu Umgehungsgeschäften über die Schweiz kommt.

Die bereits bestehende Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien wurde aufgrund der zahlreichen Änderungen einer Totalrevision unterzogen.

Swiss Sanctions Message & Swiss Sanctions

April 23, 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Anhang 2 der Verordnung vom 18. Mai 2011 über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien wird gemäss Beilage geändert. Swiss Sanctions

March 09, 2012 – Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien – Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 eine Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die restriktiven Massnahmen wurden aufgrund der seit rund zwei Monaten anhaltenden gewaltsamen Unterdrückung von friedlichen Protesten der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte erlassen.

In Anhang 2 wurden 7 weitere natürliche Personen ergänzt (Liste A, Nummern 109 – 115), ein Eintrag (Nr. 52) wurde gelöscht. Swiss Sanctions

February 06, 2012 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien – Adding of names, follow the link for more information Swiss Sanctions. Total number of 108 persons (was 74) and 38 entities (was 19) sanctioned.

December 09, 2011 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien Änderung vom 7. Dezember 2011 – In Anhang 2 wurden 18 weitere natürliche Personen (Liste A, Nr. 57 bis 74) und eine juristische Person (Liste B, Nr. 19 (Commercial Bank of Syria)) ergänzt. Die Güter mit der Zolltarifnummer 2711 sind von den Sanktionsmassnahmen befreit.

Personen <sort> 57. Jumah Al-Ahmad 58. Lu’ai al-Ali Oberst. 59. Ali Abdullah Ayyub 60. Jasim al-Furayj 61. Aous (Aws) Aslan 62. Ghassan Belal 63. Abdullah Berri 64. George Chaoui 65. Zuhair Hamad 66. Amar Ismael 67. Mujahed Ismail 68. Saqr Khayr Bek 69. Nazih Generalmajor 70. Kifah Moulhem 71. Wajih Mahmud 72. Bassam Sabbagh 73. Tala Mustafa Tlass 74. Fu’ad Tawil </sort> Entities

• 19. Commercial Bank of Syria

Änderung vom 7. Dezember 2011

October 04, 2011 – In Anhang 2 wurden 2 weitere natürliche Personen ergänzt (Liste A, Nummern 55 und 56) und 6 juristische Personen eingefügt (Liste B, Nummern 13 – 18)

Personen

• 55. Tayseer Qala, Awwad
• 56. Dr. Adnan Hassan, Mahmoud

Entities

• 13. Addounia TV (alias Dounia TV) – Aufstachelung zur Gewalt gegen die Zivilbevölkerung in Syrien.
• 14. Cham Holding Cham Holding, Building Daraa Highway, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya Rif Dimashq, Syrien – Unter der Kontrolle von Rami
• Makhlouf; größte Holdinggesellschaft Syriens, zieht Nutzen aus dem Regime und unterstützt es.
• 15. El-Tel Co. (alias El-Tel Middle East Company) – www.eltelme.com – Herstellung und Lieferung von Telekommunikationsausrüstung für das Militär.
• 16. Ramak Constructions Co. – Bau von Kasernen, Grenzposten und anderen Gebäuden für militärische Zwecke.
• 17. Souruh Company (alias Soroh Al Cham Company) – http://sites.google.com/site/sorohco – Investitionen in örtliche Rüstungsprojekte, Herstellung von Waffenteilen und dazugehörigen Erzeugnissen; zu 100 % im Eigentum von Rami Makhlouf.
• 18. Syriatel Thawra Street, Ste Building 6. Etage, P.O. Box 2900 – http://syriatel.sy/ – Unter der Kontrolle von Rami Makhlouf; unterstützt das Regime finanziell: zahlt im Rahmen seines Lizenzvertrags 50 % seines Gewinns an die Regierung.

Swiss Sanctions October 04, 2011 – full names list

September 30, 2011 – Ausweitung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien – Der Bundesrat hat am 30. September 2011 die Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien weiter verschärft und neue Investitionen im Erdölsektor verboten. Die Lieferung von neuen Banknoten und Münzen an die syrische Zentralbank wurde ebenfalls untersagt. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 24. September 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die neuen Massnahmen treten am 1. Oktober 2011 in Kraft.

Angesichts der anhaltenden Repression der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte hat der Bundesrat beschlossen, die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien im Einklang mit der EU weiter zu verschärfen.

Neu dürfen syrischen Personen oder Organisationen, die an der Exploration, Förderung oder der Raffination von Erdöl beteiligt sind, keine Darlehen und Kredite mehr gewährt werden. Es ist ferner untersagt, neue Beteiligungen bei solchen Personen oder Organisationen zu erwerben oder auszubauen und mit ihnen Joint Ventures zu gründen. Diese Verbote gelten nicht für Verträge, die vor dem 1. Oktober 2011 abgeschlossen wurden. Ebenso wurde es untersagt, der syrischen Zentralbank auf die syrische Landeswährung lautende neue Banknoten oder Münzen zu liefern oder zu verkaufen.

Die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen der neuen Massnahmen dürften gering bleiben. Es sind keine Schweizer Investitionen im Erdölbereich in Syrien bekannt. In der Schweiz hergestellte Banknoten und Münzen in syrischer Landeswährung wurden bereits bisher nicht nach Syrien exportiert. Mit den Massnahmen soll jedoch verhindert werden, dass die Sanktionen der EU über die Schweiz umgangen werden können.

Die bisherigen Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien umfassen u.a. ein Rüstungsgüterembargo, ein Lieferverbot für Güter, die für die interne Repression verwendet werden können, ein Einfuhrverbot für Erdöl und Erdölprodukte sowie Finanz- und Reisesanktionen gegen 54 natürliche Personen und 12 Unternehmen und Organisationen. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen wurden in der Schweiz Vermögenswerte im Umfang von rund 45 Mio. CHF eingefroren. Änderung vom 30. September 2011

September 23, 2011 – Verschärfung der Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien – Bern, 23.09.2011 – Der Bundesrat hat am 23. September 2011 die Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien weiter verschärft und die Einfuhr, den Kauf und den Transport von syrischem Erdöl und Erdölprodukten verboten. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 2. September 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die neuen Massnahmen treten am 24. September 2011 in Kraft. Angesichts der anhaltenden Repression der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte hat der Bundesrat beschlossen, die Sanktionen gegenüber Syrien weiter zu verschärfen.

Neu wurden die Einfuhr, der Kauf und der Transport von syrischem Erdöl und Erdölprodukten verboten. Die Bereitstellung von Finanzmitteln, Versicherungen und Rückversicherungen im Zusammenhang mit solchen Geschäften wurde ebenfalls untersagt. Bereits bestehende Verträge dürfen noch bis am 15. November 2011 umgesetzt werden und müssen dem Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (SECO) gemeldet werden. Mit den neuen Bestimmungen schliesst sich die Schweiz den Massnahmen an, welche die EU am 2. September 2011 gegenüber Syrien beschlossen hatte.

Der Grossteil der Erdölexporte Syriens geht in die Europäische Union. Die Schweiz hat schon seit Jahren kein Erdöl und keine Erdölprodukte mehr aus Syrien eingeführt, der letzte Import im Umfang von 4 Mio. CHF geht auf das Jahr 2005 zurück. Dementsprechend werden sich die neuen Verbote auch nicht auf die Versorgungslage der Schweiz auswirken.

Die bisherigen Sanktionsmassnahmen gegenüber Syrien umfassen ein Rüstungs-güterembargo, ein Lieferverbot für Güter, die für die interne Repression verwendet werden können, sowie Finanz- und Reisesanktionen gegen 54 natürliche Personen und 12 Unternehmen und Organisationen. Aufgrund der Finanzsanktionen wurden in der Schweiz Vermögenswerte im Umfang von rund 45 Mio. CHF eingefroren. SECO Statement

Bern 12.09.2011 – Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien Änderung vom 9. September 2011 – In Anhang 2 wurden 19 weitere natürliche Personen ergänzt (Liste A, Nummern 36 bis 54) und 8 juristische Personen eingefügt. Swiss Sanctions September 09, 2011

Bern, 17.08.2011 – Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 eine Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die restriktiven Massnahmen wurden aufgrund der seit rund zwei Monaten anhaltenden gewaltsamen Unterdrückung von friedlichen Protesten der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte erlassen. – Swiss Sanctions August 18, 2011

Bern, 24.05.2011 – Anhang 2 wurde um 10 Einträge ergänzt (Nr. 1 sowie Nr. 15-23). Zudem wurden verschiedene bestehende Einträge ergänzt bzw. abgeändert. Swiss Sanctions May 24, 2011

Bern, 18.05.2011 – Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 auf der Grundlage des Embargogesetzes eine neue Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die Verordnung tritt am 19. Mai 2011 in Kraft. Swiss Sanctions May 18, 2011

Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien

Der Bundesrat hat am 18. Mai 2011 eine Verordnung über Massnahmen gegenüber Syrien erlassen. Damit schliesst sich die Schweiz den Sanktionsmassnahmen an, welche die Europäische Union am 9. Mai 2011 gegen Syrien verhängt hatte. Die restriktiven Massnahmen wurden aufgrund der seit rund zwei Monaten anhaltenden gewaltsamen Unterdrückung von friedlichen Protesten der Bevölkerung durch die syrischen Streit- und Sicherheitskräfte erlassen.

Die Verordnung sieht die folgenden Massnahmen vor:

Rüstungsgüterembargo

• Der Verkauf, die Lieferung, die Ausfuhr und die Durchfuhr von Rüstungsgütern aller Art, einschliesslich Waffen und Munition, Militärfahrzeugen und -ausrüstung, paramilitärischer Ausrüstung sowie Zubehör und Ersatzteilen dafür, nach Syrien sind verboten (Art. 1 Abs. 1).
• Ebenfalls verboten sind der Verkauf, die Lieferung, die Ausfuhr und die Durchfuhr von Gütern nach Anhang 1, die zur internen Repression benützt werden können (Art. 1 Abs. 2).
• Die Erbringung von Dienstleistungen aller Art, einschliesslich Finanzdienstleistungen, Vermittlungsdiensten und technischer Beratung, sowie die Gewährung von Finanzmitteln im Zusammenhang mit dem Verkauf, der Lieferung, der Ausfuhr, der Durchfuhr, der Herstellung oder der Verwendung von Gütern nach den Absätzen 1 und 2 sind verboten (Art. 1 Abs. 3).

Sperrung von Geldern und wirtschaftlichen Ressourcen

• Gelder und wirtschaftliche Ressourcen, die sich im Eigentum oder unter der Kontrolle der natürlichen Personen, Unternehmen und Organisationen nach Anhang 2 befinden, sind gesperrt (Art. 2 Abs. 1).
• Es ist verboten, den von der Sperrung betroffenen natürlichen Personen, Unternehmen und Organisationen Gelder zu überweisen oder Gelder und wirtschaftliche Ressourcen sonstwie direkt oder indirekt zur Verfügung zu stellen (Art. 2 Abs. 2).
• Personen und Institutionen, die Gelder halten oder verwalten oder von wirtschaft­lichen Ressourcen wissen, von denen anzunehmen ist, dass sie unter die Sperrung nach Artikel 2 Absatz 1 fallen, müssen dies dem SECO unverzüglich melden (Art. 6 Abs. 1).

Reisesanktionen

• Die Einreise in die Schweiz oder die Durchreise durch die Schweiz ist den in Anhang 2 aufgeführten natürlichen Personen verboten (Art. 4 Abs. 1).
• Das Bundesamt für Migration (BFM) kann Ausnahmen gewähren aus erwiesenen humanitären Gründen, zwecks Teilnahme an internationalen Konferenzen oder an einem politischen Dialog betreffend Syrien oder zur Wahrung schweizerischer Interessen (Art. 4 Abs. 2).

Massnahmen gegenüber bestimmten Personen in Zusammenhang mit dem Attentat auf Rafik Hariri

Der Bundesrat hat am 21.12.2005 per Verordnung Zwangsmassnahmen gegen Personen beschlossen, die der Beteiligung am Attentat auf den ehemaligen libanesischen Premierminister Rafik Hariri verdächtigt werden. Mit der Verordnung setzt die Schweiz die UNO-Sicherheitsratsresolution 1636 (2005) vom 31.10.2005 um. Die Verordnung sieht folgende Massnahmen vor:

• Finanzsanktionen
• Reiserestriktionen

Die von den Finanz- und Reiserestriktionen betroffenen Personen sind vom zuständigen Sanktionskomitee der UNO bisher nicht bezeichnet worden. Sobald diese Namensliste vorliegt, wird sie in die schweizerische Sanktionsverordnung übernommen werden.

Swiss Sanctions

[Category:SWISS Embargoed Countries]]

Australia

August 21, 2012 – On 13 May 2011, the Minister for Foreign Affairs announced new sanctions measures against Syria to reflect Australia’s grave concern at the deeply disturbing and unacceptable use by the Syrian regime of violence against its people. As a consequence, Australian law currently prohibits:

• Autonomous Sanctions (Export Sanctioned Goods – Syria) Specification 2012
• Autonomous Sanctions (Export Sanctioned Goods – Syria) Designation 2012

June 25, 2012 – Foreign Minister Bob Carr today announced new Australian sanctions on Syria, covering trade in oil, petroleum, financial services, telecommunications and precious metals

The sanctions restrict or prohibit trade between Syria and Australia across entire sectors. They are in addition to Australia’s existing arms embargo and financial and travel sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime. Senator Carr said the sanctions were necessary to increase the pressure on the Assad regime, which has refused to abide by Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan’s six-point peace plan. “The Assad regime continues to show its unwillingness to negotiate a ceasefire and bring an end to Syria’s bloodshed,” Senator Carr said. “These sanctions reflect Australia’s condemnation of the Assad regime, and our continued efforts to help bring Syria to the negotiating table.” Senator Carr said Australia, the European Union and the United States have already imposed sanctions on Syria, and Australia continues to push for unified international action through the United Nations. Australia would also consider additional humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people. Australia’s new sanctions would take effect under the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 to restrict dealings with Syria’s oil, petroleum, and financial sectors; trade in luxury goods, equipment intended for monitoring or intercepting communications, and precious metals and gems. The list of individuals and groups targeted for financial and travel restrictions would also be expanded, and the existing arms embargo retained. The decision to expand sanctions also follows Australia’s expulsion of the Syrian Chargé d’affaires on May 27.

Australia Sanctions – Media Release

February 07, 2012 – Australia’s announced that another 75 regime figures and 27 entities would be added to Australia’s autonomous financial and travel sanctions list. They will join 34 people and 13 entities Australia added to the list soon after Assad launched his deadly campaign against anti-government protesters last March. (Soure: Sydney Morning Herald – Feb 07, 2012)

May 13, 2011 – Australia’s autonomous sanctions against Syria currently cover:

1. Targeted financial sanctions – Restrictions on financial transactions involving key members and entities of the Syrian regime.
2. Travel restrictions – Restrictions on visas to travel to Australia by key members of the Syrian regime.
3. Arms embargo – Prohibition on exporting to Syria:
   1. Defence and strategic goods
   2. Arms and related materiel not included on the Defence and Strategic Goods List
   3. Equipment used for internal repression
   4. Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958, regulation 13E
   5. Defence and Strategic Goods List

More information Australia Sanctions against Syria

Canada

August 31, 2012 – Assets freeze and dealings prohibition on 47 new individuals and three additional entities associated with the Assad regime

On August 31, 2012, in response to the continued gravity of the situation in Syria, Canada imposed further sanctions against Syria under the Special Economic Measures Act. The measures announced today in a statement made by Minister Baird further expand Canada’s targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support. The announced measures impose an assets freeze and dealings prohibition on 47 new individuals and three additional entities associated with the Assad regime.

Entities <sort> Drex Technologies S.A. Cotton Marketing Organization Syrian Arab Airlines (also known as Syrian Air) </sort> Individuals <sort> Sha’afiq Masa (Brigadier) Burhan Qadour (Brigadier) Salah Hamad (Brigadier) Muhammad Khallouf (Brigadier) (also known as Abou Ezzat) Riad Al-Ahmed (Major General) Abdul Salam Fajr Mahmoud (Brigadier) Jawdat al-Ahmed (Brigadier) Qusay Mihoub (Colonel) Suhail Al-Abdullah (Colonel) Khudr Khudr (Brigadier) Ibrahim Ma’ala (Brigadier) Firas Al-Hamed (Brigadier) Hussam Luqa (Brigadier) Taha Taha (Brigadier) Nasr al-Ali (Brigadier) Bassel Bilal Ahmad Kafan Bassam al-Misri Ahmed al-Jarroucheh Michel Kassouha (also known as Ahmed Salem or Ahmed Salem Hassan) Ghassan Jaoudat Ismail (General) Amer al-Achi (General) Mohammed Ali Nasr (General) Issam Hallaq (General) Ezzedine Ismael Samir Joumaa (also known as Abou Sami) Ali Yunus (Major General) Subhi Ahmad Al-Abdullah Safwan Al-Assaf Hala Mohammad Al-Nasser Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed Yasser Al-Sibaei Hazwan Al-Wazz Omran Ahed Al-Zoubi Radwan Habib Ali Haidar Bassam Hanna Said Mu’zi Hneidi Qadri Jamil Fuad Shukri Kurdi Mohammad Zafer Mihbek Mohammad Yehya Moalla Lubanah Mshaweh Mahmoud Ibrahim Said Nazira Farah Sarkis Jassim Mohammad Zakarya Fahd al-Freij </sort> Canada Sanctions Latest Developments & Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations

July 06, 2012 – Canada imposed further sanctions against Syria under the Special Economic Measures Act In response to the continued gravity of the situation in Syria. The measures announced today in a statement made by Minister Baird further expand Canada’s targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support.

The announced measures prohibit the export, sale, supply or shipping to Syria of a number of goods that can be used for internal repression as well as in the production of chemical and biological weapons, listed in the new Schedule 2 of the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations. They also impose an assets freeze and dealings prohibition on two additional entities associated with the Assad regime.

More information: Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations

March 30, 2012 – Canada Expands Sanctions Against Assad Regime – Canada is imposing its seventh round of sanctions against the brutal Assad regime in Syria by placing tough new restrictions on 12 individuals and two entities. In imposing these latest sanctions, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird also issued the following statement:

• These latest sanctions target in particular those who profit from their association with the regime and those closest to Assad, including his wife Asma. Assad’s family may be kept shielded from the misery of the average Syrian, but they will not be immune from international will.
• Assad and his backers have failed to deliver on multiple promises for peace and restraint. Instead, they continue to choose repression and force.
• Canada’s position is clear: Assad must go.

Effective immediately, the additional individuals and entities announced today, and named below, will be subject to an assets freeze and a prohibition on economic dealings. With these new measures, the total number of designations rises from 115 to 127 individuals and from 39 to 41 entities.

Additional individuals:

• Anisa Al-Assad (also known as Anisah Al Assad)
• Bushra Al-Assad (also known as Bushra Shawkat)
• Asma Al-Assad (also known as Asma Fawaz Al Akhras)
• Manal Al-Assad (also known as Manal Al Ahmad)
• Imad Mohammad Deeb Khamis
• Omar Ibrahim Ghalawanji
• Joseph Suwaid
• Ghiath Jeraatli
• Hussein Mahmoud Farzat
• Yousef Suleiman Al-Ahmad
• Hassan Al-Sari
• Mazen Al-Tabba

Additional entities:

• Syrian Petroleum Company
• Mahrukat Company (also known as the Syrian Company for the Storage and Distribution of Petroleum Products)

For more information on Canada’s sanctions against Syria, please see Syria.

Canada Sanctions

March 08, 2012 – March 7, 2012 – Canada announces Amendments to Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations.

On March 5, 2012, Canada imposed further sanctions against Syria, enacting the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (the “RASEMA Syria Regulations”) under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). The announced measures broaden the prohibition on financial services, previously limited to the petroleum trade and related investments, to include the provision and acquisition of all financial or other related services to or from Syria. The new measures also add seven individuals and the Central Bank of Syria to the list of designated persons subject to an assets freeze and dealings prohibition, and provides for new exemptions to minimize the impact on ordinary Canadians and Syrians.

• Canada Sanctions March 07, 2012
• Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations
• Syria New Sanction Developments
• Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations (OSFI)

January 25, 2012 – Canada imposed further sanctions against Syria under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to the continuing repression of Syrian civilians and Syria’s failure to implement the Arab League plan to resolve the crisis. The measures announced today in a statement made by Minister Baird further expand Canada’s targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support.

The announced measures impose an assets freeze and dealings prohibition on additional individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime, while providing for new exemptions to minimize the impact on ordinary Canadians and Syrians Canada Sanctions.

Additional individuals

1. Jawdat Ibrahim Safi (Brigadier)
2. Muhammad Ali Durgham (Major-General)
3. Ramadan Mahmoud Ramadan (Major-General)
4. Ahmed Yousef Jarad (Brigadier)
5. Naim Jasem Suleiman (Major-General)
6. Jihad Mohamed Sultan (Brigadier)
7. Fo’ad Hamoudeh (Major-General)
8. Bader Aqel (Major-General)
9. Ghassan Afif (Brigadier)
10. Mohamed Maaruf (Brigadier)
11. Yousef Ismail (Brigadier)
12. Jamal Yunes (Brigadier)
13. Mohsin Makhlouf (Brigadier)
14. Ali Dawwa (Brigadier)
15. Mohamed Khaddor (Brigadier)
16. Suheil Salman Hassan (Major-General)
17. Wafiq Nasser
18. Ahmed Dibe
19. Makhmoud al-Khattib
20. Mohamed Heikmat Ibrahim
21. Nasser Al-Ali
22. Mehran Khwanda

Additional entities

Oil Industry

1. Dier ez-Zor Petroleum Company
2. Ebla Petroleum Company
3. Dijla Petroleum Company

Banks

1. Industrial Bank
2. Popular Credit Bank
3. Saving Bank
4. Agricultural Cooperative Bank

Follow the link for more information

December 24, 2011 – Canada Further Expands Sanctions Against Syria – (No. 390 – December 23, 2011 – 10:15 a.m. ET) Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced new sanctions on Syria’s Assad regime in response to its ongoing and escalating repression of Syrians:

“Despite increased international condemnation, the senseless violence against the Syrian people continues to claim lives.

“Canada is therefore continuing to step up its pressure on the regime and those who support it by introducing additional targeted sanctions.

“These measures prohibit all imports, with the exception of food, from Syria; all new investment in Syria; and the export to Syria of equipment, including software, for the monitoring of telephone and Internet communications. Canada is also imposing an assets freeze and prohibiting economic dealings with additional individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime.

“Canada stands with the Syrian people in their efforts to secure for themselves a brighter future. We look forward to a new Syria that respects the rights of its people and lives in peace with its neighbours.

“Canada remains committed to working with our international partners to bring pressure to bear on the Assad regime.

“Sanctions imposed by like-minded partners, including the United States and the European Union, and recently by the Arab League are having an impact in isolating the regime.”

On December 15, 2011, Canada announced a voluntary evacuation of its citizens in Syria and expedited efforts to help them leave the country as soon as possible. We continue to urge all Canadians in Syria to leave immediately, while commercial means are still available.

Canadian Measures

• Travel restrictions: Canada ensured that persons associated with the Syrian government who are believed to be inadmissible to Canada are prevented from travelling to Canada.
• An asset freeze: Canada imposed an asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people.
• A ban on specific exports and imports: Canada placed a ban under the Export and Import Permits Act on the export from Canada to Syria of goods and technology that are subject to export controls. These items include arms, munitions, and military, nuclear and strategic items that are intended for use by the Syrian armed forces, police or other governmental agencies.
• A suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria.

The measures announced are consistent with Canada’s foreign policy priority to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world. Canada stands with the Syrian people in their calls for a brighter future for Syria.

On October 4, 2011, Canada imposed the following additional measures:

• A prohibition on the importation, purchase or transportation of petroleum or petroleum products from Syria.
• A prohibition on new investment in the Syrian oil sector.
• A prohibition on the provision or acquisition of financial services for the purpose of facilitating the importation, purchase or transportation of Syrian petroleum or petroleum products.
• A prohibition on the provision or acquisition of financial services for the purpose of investing in the Syrian oil sector.

Canada sanctions overview Syria

October 3, 2011, Canada imposed further sanctions against Syria under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to its on-going and escalating repression of Syrian civilians. The measures announced today in a statement made by Minister Baird further expand Canada’s targeted sanctions against the Syrian regime and those that provide it with support.

The additional measures announced today include:

• an asset freeze and dealings prohibition on additional members of the regime and those who provide it with support;
• a prohibition on the import, purchase, acquisition, or transportation of petroleum or petroleum products, excluding natural gas, from Syria;
• a prohibition on new investment in the oil industry in Syria; and
• a prohibition on providing financing for either of the activities described above.

Canada sanctions overview Syria

August 13, 2011 – Statement by Minister Baird on Situation in Syria – The Assad regime has lost all legitimacy by killing Syrian men, women and children to stay in power. This campaign of terror must stop. As part of our commitment to work with like-minded international partners to isolate the Assad regime, Canada is taking measures to extend its existing sanctions against the regime and its backers. We have frozen the assets of additional individuals and entities and moved to prevent those supporting the abhorrent behaviour of the Assad regime from travelling to Canada. As with the sanctions announced on May 24, 2011, the measures announced today (August 13, 2011) directly target members of the current Syrian regime and those who provide it with support. They are not intended to cause harm to the Syrian people.

Effective immediately, Canada is expanding sanctions by seeking to freeze the assets of four additional individuals and two additional entities associated with the Syrian government, and to ensure that those people believed to be inadmissible to Canada are prevented from travelling to Canada.

The names of the additional individuals and entities targeted by Canadian sanctions are as follows:‬

Individuals Mohammad Mufleh Major General Tawfiq Younes Mohammed Makhlouf Ayman Jabir Entities Commercial Bank of Syria Syriatel

Canadian measures

• A travel ban: Canada will ensure that persons associated with the Syrian government who are believed to be inadmissible to Canada are prevented from travelling to Canada.
• An asset freeze: Canada will impose an asset freeze against people associated with the current Syrian regime and entities involved in security and military operations against the Syrian people.
• A ban on specific exports and imports: Canada will place a ban under the Export and Import Permits Act on the export from Canada to Syria of goods and technology that are subject to export controls. These items include arms, munitions, and military, nuclear and strategic items that are intended for use by the Syrian armed forces, police or other governmental agencies;
• Suspension of all bilateral cooperation agreements and initiatives with Syria: The measures announced are consistent with Canada’s foreign policy priority to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world. Canada stands with the Syrian people in their calls for reform and a brighter, better future for Syria.

Canada Sanctions

May 24, 2011, Prime Minister Harper made a statement announcing that targeted sanctions would be imposed against members of the current Syrian regime under the Special Economic Measures Act. The Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations came into force in order to respond to the gravity of the situation in Syria.

Targeted Entities & Individuals

Entities General Intelligence Directorate Presidential Guard Political Security Directorate Syrian Military Intelligence Syrian Air Force Intelligence Syrian Ministry of Defence Syrian Ministry of the Interior Individuals Bashar al-Assad Farouk al-Shaara Adil Safar Ali Habib Mahmoud Maher al-Assad Ali Mamlouk Muhammad Ibrahim al-Shaar Atif Najib Hafez Makhlouf Mohammad Dib Zaytun Amjad Abbas Rami Makhluf Abd-al-Farah Qudsiyah Jamil Hassan Rustom Ghazali Fawwaz al-Assad Mudhir al-Assad Asif Shawkat Hisham Ikhtiyar Muhammad Nasif Khayrbik Mohamed Hamcho Iyad Makhlouf Bassam Al Hassan Dawud Rajiha Ihab Makhlouf

The Government of Canada has made these Regulations in order to respond to the gravity of the situation in Syria, which in the Governor in Council’s opinion constitutes a grave breach of international peace and security that has resulted or is likely to result in a serious international crisis.

The Regulations impose restrictions on dealings with designated persons. Some exceptions are available, including the following:

• Humanitarian efforts and goods, such as food and medical supplies or equipment;
• Stabilization and reconstruction assistance and activities;
• Democratization and development assistance;
• Financial or other support provided by the Government of Canada; and
• Payments made by or on behalf of designated persons pursuant to contracts entered into prior to the coming into force of this person’s designation.

Regulation and more information see Canada Sanctions on Syria and Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations

Notice of Special Economic Measures (Syria) Regulations, May 24, 2011 This Notice is directed to the attention of all banks, authorized foreign banks, trust and loan companies, cooperative credit societies, cooperative retail associations, life insurance companies, property and casualty insurance companies and fraternal benefit societies (FRFIs) The Notice

Japan

September 09, 2011 – The measures against Syria, taken under the Japanese Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, are in line with the measures being taken by other major countries, the statement said.

Contents of the measures – Starting today, Japan implements the measures below, under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, on Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his related individuals and entities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice (issued September 09, 2011).

1. Payment restriction – A license system is required for payments to the individuals and entities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice.
2. Restriction on capital transactions – A license system is required for capital transactions (i.e., contract of money deposit, trust, and loans) with the individuals and entities designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Notice.

Designation of individuals <sort> Al-Assad, Bashar – President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Date of birth: 11/09/1965, Place of birth: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: D1903 Al Shar’, Farouk – Vice-President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Date of birth: 10/12/1938 Al-Chaar, Mohammad Ibrahim – Interior Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Date of birth: 1950 Mahmoud, Ali Habib – Former Defense Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Date of birth: 1939, Place of birth: Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic Al-Assad, Maher – Commander of the Army’s 4th Armoured Division, Young brother of Al-Assad Bashar, Date of birth: 08/12/1967, Passport Number: 4138 Makhlouf, Rami – Syrian businessman, Cousin of Al-Assad Bashar, Date of birth: 10/07/1969, Place of birth: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: 454224 Makhluf, Hafez – Head of Unit in Syrian General Intelligence Directorate, Date of birth: 02/04/1971, Place of birth: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: 2246 Najib, Atef – Former Head of Political Security Directorate in Daraa Qudsiyah, Abd Al-Fatah – Head of Syrian Military Intelligence, Date of birth: 1953, Place of birth: Hama, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: D0005788 Mamlouk, Ali – Head of Syrian General Intelligence Directorate, Date of birth: 19/02/1946, Place of birth: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: 983 Zaytoun, Mohammed Dib – Head of Political Security Directorate, Date of birth: 20/05/1951, Place of birth: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: D000001300 Ghazali, Rustum – Head of Syrian Military Intelligence, Damascus Countryside Branch, Date of birth: 03/05/1953, Place of birth: Daraa, Syrian Arab Republic, Passport Number: D000000887 Shawkat, Asif – Deputy Chief of Staff of the Syrian Armed Forces, Date of birth: 15/01/1950, Place of birth: Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic Ikhtiyar, Hisham – Head of Syrian National Security Bureau, Date of birth: 1941 Hamsho, Mohamed – Syrian businessman, Date of birth: 20/05/1966, Passport Number: 002954347 </sort> Designation of entities <sort> Syrian General Intelligence Directorate Syrian Military Intelligence Syrian Air Force Intelligence Bena Properties Al Mashreq Investment Fund, Address: P.O.Box 108, Damascus, TEL: 963-112110059/963-112110043, FAX: 963-933333149 </sort> Japan MOFA Website

US

May 01, 2012 – Executive Order on Foreign Sanctions Evaders – ​Today the President Obama signed an Executive Order (E.O.), Prohibiting Certain Transactions with and Suspending Entry into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders with Respect to Iran and Syria, providing the U.S. Treasury Department with a new authority to tighten further the U.S. sanctions on Iran and Syria.

This E.O. targets foreign individuals and entities that have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate, or caused a violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran or Syria, or that have facilitated deceptive transactions for persons subject to U.S. sanctions concerning Syria or Iran. With this new authority, Treasury now has the capability to publicly identify foreign individuals and entities that have engaged in these evasive and deceptive activities, and generally bar access to the U.S. financial and commercial systems.

For more information on this action please see the following fact sheet.

OFAC has also released the following frequently asked questions on this new Executive Order.

OFAC

May 14, 2014 – Terrorist Designations of Groups Operating in Syria

The Department of State announced the amendment of the designation of al-Qa’ida in Iraq (AQI) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 to add the alias Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as its primary name and remove all aliases associated with al-Nusrah Front (ANF). Additionally, the Department of State announced the designation of ANF as an FTO under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under section 1(b) of E.O. 13224.

The Department will also add the following aliases to the ISIL listing: the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), ad-Dawla al-Islamiyya fi al-‘Iraq wa-sh-Sham, Daesh, Dawla al Islamiya, and Al-Furqan Establishment for Media Production. Furthermore, under the same authorities, the Department of State designated al-Nusrah Front as a standalone FTO and SDGT.

The consequences of the FTO and E.O. 13224 designations include a prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to, or engaging in transactions with these organizations, and the freezing of all property and interests in property of the organizations that is in the United States, or come within the United States or the control of U.S. persons. The Department of State took these actions in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Treasury.

These adjustments do not represent a change in policy. Both ISIL and ANF have been designated domestically for several months. In December 2012, the Department of State amended the FTO and E.O. 13224 designations of AQI to include ANF as an alias. Since that amendment occurred, differences over management and tactics have led to an increase in violence between the two groups. Tension peaked in early 2014, when al-Qa’ida (AQ) leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, released a statement dismissing ISIL from AQ. Therefore, we have amended the AQI designation to better reflect the change in status of both ISIL and ANF. We review our designations regularly and, as needed, make adjustments to ensure we remain current with nomenclature and other changes.

Department of State Press Release

May 08, 2014 – Syria Designations

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

AL-HASSAN, Bassam (a.k.a. HASAN, Basam; a.k.a. HASAN, Bassam; a.k.a. HASSAN, Bassam); DOB 1961; alt. DOB 1960; alt. DOB 1962; POB Homs, Syria; Brigadier General; Syrian Presidential Advisor (individual) [SYRIA].

AL-QADRI, Ahmad; DOB 1956; POB Hasaka, Syria; Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (individual) [SYRIA].

AL-SHAMMAT, Kinda; DOB 1973; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Social Affairs (individual) [SYRIA].

ARNOUS, Hussein; DOB 1953; POB Idleb, Syria; Minister of Public Works (individual) [SYRIA].

GAGLOEV, Mikhail Georgievich (a.k.a. GAGLOEV, Mikhail; a.k.a. GAGLOYEV, Mikhail Georgiyevich); DOB 17 Feb 1966; citizen Russia; Chairman of the Management Committee, Tempbank (individual) [SYRIA] (Linked To: TEMPBANK).

HIJAZI, Hassan; DOB 1964; POB Quneitra, Syria; Minister of Labor (individual) [SYRIA].

ISMAEL, Ismael; DOB 1955; Minister of Finance (individual) [SYRIA].

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

BANIAS REFINERY COMPANY, Banias Refinery Building, 26 Latkia Main Road, Baniyas, Tartous, Syria; Banias Refinery Building, Latkia Main Road, Banias Industrial Area, Banias, Tartous, Syria; Postal Box 26, Tartous, Syria; P.O. Box 26, Banias, Syria [SYRIA].

HOMS REFINERY COMPANY (a.k.a. GENERAL COMPANY FOR HOMS REFINERY), General Company for Homs Refinery Building, 352 Tripoli Street, Homs, Syria; P.O. Box 352, Trablus (Tripoli) Street, Homs, Syria; Postal Box 352, Homs, Syria [SYRIA].

TEMPBANK (a.k.a. MAB TEMPBANK OAO; a.k.a. MOSCOW JOINT-STOCK BANK TEMPBANK OPEN JOINT-STOCK COMPANY; a.k.a. OTKRYTOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSHCHESTVO MOSKOVSKI AKTSIONERNY BANK TEMPBANK), 36/50 Lyusinovskaya ul., Moscow 115093, Russia; SWIFT/BIC TMJSRUMM; Website www.tempbank.ru; Email Address info@tempbank.ru; Registration ID 1027739270294 [SYRIA].

OFAC Recent Actions

May 02, 2014 – Publication of Final Rule in the Federal Register, amending and reissuing in their entirety the Syrian Sanctions Regulations

Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control published a final rule in the Federal Register, amending and reissuing in their entirety the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 542 (the Regulations), to implement a series of Executive orders that the President has issued to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency with respect to Syria declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004 (E.O. 13338). These new regulations implement the blocking prohibitions in these Executive orders, and add numerous sections to the Regulations, including prohibitions, definitions, interpretations, and licensing provisions.

OFAC recent actions

June 12, 2013 – Syria Statements of Licensing Policy and Syria General License 11A Issued

Sanctions Eased for Syrian Opposition

Through the Departments of State, Commerce, and Treasury, the Administration is taking several significant steps to ease U.S. economic sanctions, enable additional relief and reconstruction activities in opposition-controlled areas of Syria, and support the Syrian opposition and the people of Syria.

Export Waiver for U.S.-Origin Goods Benefitting the Syrian People

Secretary of State John F. Kerry signed a limited waiver of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (SAA), consistent with Section 5(b) of the Act. The waiver authorizes the export and re-export, subject to case-by-case review, of certain U.S.-origin items to liberated areas of Syria for the benefit of the Syrian people. The waiver will authorize the Department of Commerce to process license applications for export and re-exports of commodities, software, and technology, including but not limited to those related to water supply and sanitation; agricultural production and food processing; power generation; oil and gas production; construction and engineering; transportation; and educational infrastructure. These items are intended to help address the critical needs of the Syrian people and facilitate reconstruction in liberated areas. Of note, the export of food and medicine does not currently require a license and medical devices are covered under an existing waiver.

Today, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security will post notice on its website that it will immediately accept license applications for the export and re-export of items covered by the new waiver.

Statement of Licensing Policy on Economic Activities Benefitting the Syrian People

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in consultation with the State Department, today issued a Statement of Licensing Policy (SLP) inviting U.S. persons to apply to OFAC for specific licenses that would enable them to participate in certain economic activities in Syria. The SLP specifically focuses on applications by U.S. persons seeking to engage in oil-related transactions that benefit the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, or its supporters, and transactions involving Syria’s agricultural and telecommunications sectors. U.S. persons wishing to engage in other economic activities in Syria, particularly in liberated areas, that are within the scope of the SLP are also invited to apply to OFAC for a specific license. All license applications will be subject to review by OFAC and other U.S. agencies to ensure that proposed activities are consistent with U.S. foreign policy goals. Specific licenses will not authorize transactions involving specially designated nationals (SDNs).

Protecting Syria’s Cultural Heritage

OFAC is also amending Syria general license 11 to authorize the exportation of services and funds transfers in support of not-for-profit activities to preserve Syria’s cultural heritage sites. Our priority in Syria is to help the people, ensuring that food and medical supplies can reach Syrians afflicted by the ongoing conflict. We also recognize that rebuilding Syria’s future requires helping preserve the country’s cultural heritage and we want to ensure that sanctions do not impede that important effort.

US Department of State Press Release

Today, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) is publishing on the Syria section of its web site Statements of Licensing Policy on Activities Related to the Telecommunications and Agricultural Sectors of Syria and Petroleum and Petroleum Products of Syrian Origin for the Benefit of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces or its Supporters. These Statements of Licensing Policy establish a favorable licensing policy regime through which U.S. persons can request from OFAC specific authorization to engage in transactions involving the telecommunications and agricultural sectors of Syria, as well as transactions related to petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin for the benefit of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces or its supporters.

OFAC also issued Syria General License 11A authorizing additional services in support of nongovernmental organizations’ activities to support the preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites in Syria. Syria General License 11A replaces and supersedes Syria General License 11, dated September 26, 2011. OFAC Recent Actions

May 16, 2013 – Syria Designations; Syria Designations Removals; Counter Terrorism Designations; Iran Sanctions Designations and Identifications

Terrorist Designation of Al-Nusrah Front Leader Muhammad Al-Jawlani

The Department of State has designated al-Nusrah Front leader Muhammad al-Jawlani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. As a result of the designation, all property subject to U.S. jurisdiction in which al-Jawlani has any interest is blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with him or for his benefit. Also, today the Department of the Treasury designated four Assad regime senior officials, as well as two Assad regime-linked entities, Syrian Arab Airlines and Addounia Television.

Al-Jawlani is considered the leader of al-Nusrah. He has stated in videos that his ultimate goal is the overthrow of the Syrian regime and the institution of Islamist shari’a law throughout the country. Al-Jawlani was specifically tasked by al-Qa’ida in Iraq (AQI) to carry out these objectives. Under al-Jawlani’s leadership, al-Nusrah Front has carried out multiple suicide attacks throughout Syria. These attacks have been primarily in Damascus but the group has targeted other areas of the country as well. Many of these attacks have killed innocent Syrian civilians. Al-Nusrah’s claimed operations since the group’s December 2012 designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization have included a January 26, 2013 suicide attack on a military base in Syria’s Quneitra Province, near the Golan Heights; a February 15, 2013 statement claiming responsibility for early February suicide attacks on regime targets in Damascus and the nearby town of al-Shadadi; and a March 20, 2013 statement claiming responsibility for two separate suicide attacks that targeted a bridge and bunker near the city of Homs on March 6, 2013.

Although al-Nusrah Front was formed by AQI in late 2011 as a front for AQI’s activities in Syria, recently al-Jawlani publicly pledged allegiance to Ayman al-Zawahiri, al-Qa’ida’s leader. On December 11, 2012, the State Department amended the designations of AQI as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity under Executive Order 13224 to include al-Nusrah Front as an alias.

The violent, sectarian vision of al-Jawlani’s al-Nusrah is at odds with the aspirations of the Syrian people, including the overwhelming majority of the Syrian opposition, who seek a free, democratic, and inclusive Syria and have made clear their desire for a government that respects and advances national unity, dignity, human rights, and equal protection under the law – regardless of faith, ethnicity, or gender.

Extremism and terrorist ideology have no place in a post-Assad Syria, and all responsible Syrians should speak out against al-Qa’ida and other extremist elements. By opting for the use of force against its own people, the Assad regime has created the circumstances that attract the violent extremists, who seek to exploit civil strife for their own purposes. The sooner the political transition to a post-Assad Syria begins, the better it will be for the Syrian people and the region.

US Department of State Press Release

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List: <sort> AL-AHMAD, Najm Hamad; DOB 1969; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Justice (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-FREIJ, Fahd Jassem (a.k.a. AL-FREIJ, FAHAD JASSIM; a.k.a. AL-FURAYJ, FAHD JASIM); DOB 01 Jan 1950; alt. DOB 1947; POB Hama, Syria; nationality Syria; Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-JAWLANI, Abu Muhammad (a.k.a. AL-GOLANI, Abu Muhammad; a.k.a. “AL-FATIH”), Damascus, Syria; DOB 1977; alt. DOB 1975; alt. DOB 1976; alt. DOB 1978; alt. DOB 1979; nationality Syria (individual) [SDGT]. AL-NAYEF, Sa’ad Abdel-Salam; DOB 1959; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Health (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-SUKHNI, Adnan Abdo; DOB 1961; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Industry (individual) [SYRIA]. </sort> The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

<sort>

AL-DUNYA TELEVISION (a.k.a. ADDOUNIA TV; a.k.a. AL DOUNIA; a.k.a. AL-DONYA TELEVISION CHANNEL; a.k.a. DUNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY FOR INFORMATION; a.k.a. DUNIA TELEVISION), Information Free Zone, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA]. SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES (a.k.a. SYRIAN AIR; a.k.a. SYRIANAIR), Syria; Social Insurance Building, Youssef Al Azmeh Square, Down Town, PO Box 417, Damascus, Syria [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR]. </sort> The following aircraft have been added to OFAC’s SDN List: <sort> YK-AGA; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1188; Aircraft Manufacture Date 20 Feb 1976; Aircraft Model B.727-294; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 21203 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AGB; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1194; Aircraft Manufacture Date 18 Mar 1976; Aircraft Model B.727-294; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 21204 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AGC; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1198; Aircraft Manufacture Date 09 Apr 1976; Aircraft Model B.727-294; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 21205 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AGD; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1670; Aircraft Manufacture Date 26 Sep 1980; Aircraft Model B.727-269; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 22360 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AGE; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1716; Aircraft Manufacture Date 06 Feb 1981; Aircraft Model B.727-269; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 22361 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AGF; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1788; Aircraft Manufacture Date 12 Nov 1981; Aircraft Model B.727-269; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 22763 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AIA; Aircraft Manufacture Date Jan 1985; Aircraft Model Tu-154M; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 708 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AIC; Aircraft Manufacture Date Mar 1985; Aircraft Model Tu-154M; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 710 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AKA; Aircraft Manufacture Date 02 Sep 1998; Aircraft Model A320-232; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 886 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AKB; Aircraft Manufacture Date 26 Oct 1998; Aircraft Model A320-232; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 918 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AKC; Aircraft Manufacture Date 26 May 1999; Aircraft Model A320-232; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 1032 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AKD; Aircraft Manufacture Date 17 Aug 1999; Aircraft Model A320-232; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 1076 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AKE; Aircraft Manufacture Date 06 Sep 1999; Aircraft Model A320-232; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 1085 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AKF; Aircraft Manufacture Date 11 Oct 1999; Aircraft Model A320-232; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 1117 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ANC; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 3007; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1975; Aircraft Model An-26; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 57303007 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AND; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 3008; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1975; Aircraft Model An-26; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 57303008 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ANE; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 3103; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1975; Aircraft Model An-26; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 57303103 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ANF; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 3104; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1975; Aircraft Model An-26; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 57303104 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ANG; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 10907; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1981; Aircraft Model An-26B; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 17310907 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ANH; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 11406; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1981; Aircraft Model An-26B; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 17311406 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AQA; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 3219; Aircraft Model Yak-40; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 9341932 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AQB; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 4304; Aircraft Model Yak-40; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 9530443 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AQD; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 5801; Aircraft Model Yak-40; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 9830158 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AQE; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 5802; Aircraft Model Yak-40; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 9830258 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AQF; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 5918; Aircraft Model Yak-40; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 9931859 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AQG; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 5919; Aircraft Model Yak-40K(F); Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 9941959 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ATA; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1604; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1979; Aircraft Model Il-76T; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 93421613 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ATB; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 1605; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1979; Aircraft Model Il-76T; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 93421619 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ATC; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 2308; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1981; Aircraft Model Il-76T; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 13431911 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-ATD; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 2309; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1981; Aircraft Model Il-76T; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 13431915 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AVA; Aircraft Manufacture Date 07 Oct 2008; Aircraft Model ATR-72-212A; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 836 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AVB; Aircraft Manufacture Date 24 Dec 2008; Aircraft Model ATR-72-212A; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 845 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AYA; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 6330; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1982; Aircraft Model Tu-134BK-3; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 63992 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AYB; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 6331; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1982; Aircraft Model Tu-134BK-3; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 63994 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AYC; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 6327; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1982; Aircraft Model Tu-134B-3; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 63989 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AYD; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 6328; Aircraft Manufacture Date 1982; Aircraft Model Tu-134B-3; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 63990 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AYE; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 6348; Aircraft Manufacture Date Sep 1984; Aircraft Model Tu-134B-3; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 66187 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). YK-AYF; Aircraft Construction Number (also called L/N or S/N or F/N) 6349; Aircraft Manufacture Date 10 Oct 1984; Aircraft Model Tu-134B-3; Aircraft Operator Syrianair; Aircraft Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 66190 (aircraft) [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRGC] [IFSR] (Linked To: SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES). </sort> The following deletions have been made to OFAC’s SDN List: <sort> RAJIHA, Dawood (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. RAJHA, Daood (a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. RAJIHAH, Dawud (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. RAJHA, Davoud (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. RAJHA, Dawood (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. RAJHA, Dawoud (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]. </sort> OFAC Recent Actions

April 18, 2013 – Removals

The following deletions have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

<sort> AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. KUZBARI, Ahmad (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil (a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. KUZBARI, Nabil R. (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUSBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. KUSBARI, Nabil (a.k.a. AL-KOUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafik; a.k.a. AL-KUZBARI, Nabil Rafiq; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Ahmad Nabil; a.k.a. KUZBARI, Nabil R.); DOB 20 Sep 1936; POB Damascus, Syria; citizen Syria; alt. citizen Austria; Passport P3002721 (Austria) (individual) [SYRIA]. </sort> OFAC Recent Actions

March 15, 2013 – Syria General License No. 16 Issued ​ Today, OFAC has issued Syria General License No. 16, which authorizes U.S. persons to provide to the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces certain services, including transfers of funds, otherwise prohibited by Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011, “Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions with Respect to Syria.”

December 11, 2012 – Treasury Sanctions Al-Nusrah Front Leadership in Syria and Militias Supporting the Asad Regime

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated two senior leaders of the Syrian-based al-Nusrah front, Maysar Ali Musa Abdallah al-Juburi and Anas Hasan Khattab, pursuant to Executive Order 13224 (E.O. 13224) for acting on behalf of al-Qa’ida in Iraq (AQI). This designation was taken in coordination with the U.S. Department of State action to list the al-Nusrah Front as an alias of AQI. Also today, the Treasury Department sanctioned two armed militia groups that operate under the control of the Syrian government, Jaysh al-Sha’bi and Shabiha, as well as two Shabiha commanders, pursuant to E.O. 13582, which blocks the property of the Syrian government. These actions represent continued U.S. government efforts to support the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people as they seek to free themselves from the oppression of the Asad regime and to deny al-Qa’ida’s attempts to subvert the Syrian opposition.

“The United States will continue to aggressively pursue those who undermine the desires of the Syrian people to realize a representative government that does not employ violence against its own people. We will target the pro-Asad militias just as we will the terrorists who falsely cloak themselves in the flag of the legitimate opposition,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen.

As the Syrian people continue their struggle against the repressive Asad regime, al-Nusrah Front has sought to exploit the instability inside Syria for its own purposes, using tactics and espousing an ideology drawn from AQI that the Syrian people broadly reject. Since November 2011, al-Nusrah Front has claimed responsibility for nearly 600 terrorist attacks, killing and wounding hundreds of Syrians. These activities are attempts by AQI to hijack the struggles of the legitimate Syrian opposition to further its own extremist ideology.

Today, the Treasury Department also took action against Jaysh al-Sha’bi and the Shabiha. These militias have been instrumental in the Asad regime’s campaign of terror and violence against the citizens of Syria. Jaysh al-Sha’bi was created, and continues to be maintained, with support from Iran and Hizballah and is modeled after the Iranian Basij militia, which has proven itself effective at using violence and intimidation to suppress political dissent within Iran.

Any property or interests in property in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons in which these entities or individuals have an interest are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Maysar Ali Musa Abdallah al-Juburi – Maysar Ali Musa Abdallah al-Juburi (al-Juburi) moved from Mosul, Iraq to Syria in late 2011 to exploit Syria’s more permissive security environment with the objectives of transferring al-Qa’ida’s ideology to Syria and forming likeminded terrorist groups. As of mid 2012, al-Juburi became the religious and military commander for al-Nusrah Front in eastern Syria and also operated a training camp for the network. Al-Juburi is suspected of participating in a 2004 attack against a Coalition Forces checkpoint in Ninawa Province, Iraq.

Anas Hasan Khattab – As of mid 2012, Anas Hasan Khattab (Khattab) was involved with the formation of al-Nusrah Front for AQI. He communicated periodically with AQI leadership to receive financial and material assistance and helped facilitate funding and weapons for al-Nusrah Front. Khattab works closely with al-Qa’ida-linked facilitators to provide logistical support to al-Nusrah Front.

Jaysh al-Sha’bi – Jaysh al-Sha’bi is a militia controlled by the Syrian government and has conducted unilateral and joint operations with Syrian military and security elements against the Syrian opposition that have resulted in the deaths and injuries of Syrian opposition members.

Jaysh al-Sha’bi operates throughout Syria and has been particularly active in Damascus and Aleppo, where the militia has supplemented Syrian government forces’ operations against the opposition.

Iran has helped establish and train the Jaysh al-Sha’bi militia in Syria to support the Asad regime and relieve pressure on Syrian government forces. Since mid-2012, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah have provided training, advice, and weapons and equipment for Jaysh al-Sha’bi. Iran has also provided routine funding worth millions of dollars to the militia.

Iran’s IRGC Commander Mohamad Ali Jafari also claimed that the militia, which he claimed has 50,000 members, was modeled after Iran’s own Basij, a paramilitary force subordinate to the IRGC that has been heavily involved in the violent crackdowns and serious human rights abuses occurring in Iran since the June 2009 contested presidential election.

Shabiha – Since the beginning of the unrest in Syria, the Shabiha have operated as a direct action arm of the Government of Syria and its security services and Shabiha units have provided support to units from designated security services such as the Syrian Air Force Intelligence and Syrian Military Intelligence.

Shabiha units have worked with Syrian Military Intelligence to provide security at Syrian regime facilities and to man security checkpoints in Syrian cities and the Shabiha have been used by the Syrian military during operations in and around Damascus to interrogate and kill potential supporters of the Syrian opposition.

In addition to the Shabiha being identified as part of the Government of Syria pursuant to E.O. 13582, today the Treasury Department also designated the group pursuant to E.O. 13572 for being responsible for or complicit in the commission of human rights abuses in Syria, including those related to repression.

Since the beginning of the unrest, the Shabiha have fired into crowds of peaceful Syrian demonstrators, shot and killed Syrian demonstrators, arbitrarily detained Syrian civilians, and shot Syrian soldiers who refused to fire on peaceful demonstrators. In May 2011, the Shabiha were firing on Syrian civilians trying to cross into Lebanon near the town of al-Bire, Lebanon.

Ayman Jaber – Ayman Jaber was designated today pursuant to E.O. 13582 and E.O. 13572 for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, the Shabiha and Mahir al-Asad. Mahir al-Asad, the brother of Bashar al-Asad was listed in the Annex to E.O. 13572 and played a leading role in the Syrian regime’s actions in Dar’a where protesters were killed by Syrian security forces.

Ayman Jaber is currently a Shabiha leader responsible for directing Shabiha operations in Latakia, Syria, on behalf of the Syrian regime and is working with the Syrian Ministry of Defense and senior regime officials, including Mahir al-Asad, to procure weapons for the Shabiha units under his command.

Mahir al-Asad used Jaber to provide financial compensation to the Syrian protesters who demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy in Damascus on July 11, 2011, and Jaber was involved with al-Asad in planning the attack on the U.S. Embassy that occurred the same day.

Mohammad Jaber – Mohammad Jaber was designated today pursuant to E.O. 13582 for providing material support to the Government of Syria.Mohammad Jaber arranged for the transportation of pro-Syrian regime Shabiha thugs to Turkey in order to attack anti-Syrian regime personnel there.

US Department of the Treasury

December 11, 2012 – Syria Designations – Specially Designated Nationals Update

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

• AL-JUBURI, Maysar Ali Musa Abdallah (a.k.a. AL-JIBURI, Muyassir; a.k.a. AL-QAHTANI, Mus’ab; a.k.a. AL-SHAMMARI; a.k.a. AL-SHAMMARI, Muyassir; a.k.a. HARARA, Muyassir; a.k.a. HASSAN, Muhammad Khalid); DOB 01 Jun 1976; POB Al-Shura, Mosul, Iraq; alt. POB Harara, Ninawa Province, Iraq; citizen Iraq (individual) [SDGT].
• JABER, Ayman (a.k.a. JABER, Aiman; a.k.a. JABER, Ayman Mehriz; a.k.a. JABER, Ayman Mohriz; a.k.a. JABIR, Ayman; a.k.a. JABIR, Ayman Muhriz); DOB 17 Jan 1967; Passport 003308607 (Syria) (individual) [SYRIA].
• JABER, Mohammad (a.k.a. JA FAR, Abu; a.k.a. JABIR, Mohammad; a.k.a. JABIR, Muhammad; a.k.a. JABIR, Muhammad Mahruz; a.k.a. JABIR, Muhammad Muhraz; a.k.a. JABIR, Muhammad Muhriz; a.k.a. JA’FAR, Abu); DOB 23 Jan 1957; POB Latakia, Syria; Passport N004871560 (Syria) (individual) [SYRIA].
• KHATTAB, Anas Hasan (a.k.a. ABU HAMZAH; a.k.a. AL-KHAYAT, Samir Ahmed; a.k.a. “HANI”); DOB 07 Apr 1986; POB Damascus, Syria; National ID No. 00351762055 (individual) [SDGT].

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

• JAYSH AL-SHA’BI (a.k.a. AL-SHA’BI COMMITTEES; a.k.a. JAYSH AL-SHAAB; a.k.a. JISH SHAABI; a.k.a. SHA’BI COMMITTEES; a.k.a. SHA’BI FORCE; a.k.a. “ARMY OF THE PEOPLE”; a.k.a. “PEOPLE’S ARMY”; a.k.a. “POPULAR COMMITTEES”; a.k.a. “POPULAR FORCES”; a.k.a. “SHA’BI”; a.k.a. “THE POPULAR ARMY”) [SYRIA].
• SHABIHA (a.k.a. AL-SHABBIHAH; a.k.a. SHABBIHA; a.k.a. SHABBIHAH; a.k.a. SHABEEHA), Syria [SYRIA].

The following changes have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

• JAM’AT AL TAWHID WA’AL-JIHAD (a.k.a. AL-QAIDA GROUP OF JIHAD IN IRAQ; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA GROUP OF JIHAD IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA IN IRAQ; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA IN MESOPOTAMIA; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA OF JIHAD IN IRAQ; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA OF JIHAD ORGANIZATION IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA OF THE JIHAD IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-TAWHID; a.k.a. AL-ZARQAWI NETWORK; a.k.a. ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ; a.k.a. TANZEEM QA’IDAT AL JIHAD/BILAD AL RAAFIDAINI; a.k.a. TANZIM QA’IDAT AL-JIHAD FI BILAD AL-RAFIDAYN; a.k.a. THE MONOTHEISM AND JIHAD GROUP; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION BASE OF JIHAD/COUNTRY OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION BASE OF JIHAD/MESOPOTAMIA; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE IN IRAQ; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE OF OPERATIONS IN IRAQ; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE OF OPERATIONS IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF JIHAD’S BASE IN THE COUNTRY OF THE TWO RIVERS) [FTO] [SDGT]. -to- JAM’AT AL TAWHID WA’AL-JIHAD (a.k.a. AL NUSRAH FRONT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE LEVANT; a.k.a. AL-NUSRAH FRONT; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA GROUP OF JIHAD IN IRAQ; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA GROUP OF JIHAD IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA IN IRAQ; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA IN MESOPOTAMIA; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA OF JIHAD IN IRAQ; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA OF JIHAD ORGANIZATION IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-QAIDA OF THE JIHAD IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. AL-TAWHID; a.k.a. AL-ZARQAWI NETWORK; a.k.a. ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ; a.k.a. JABHAT AL-NUSRAH; a.k.a. JABHET AL-NUSRA; a.k.a. TANZEEM QA’IDAT AL JIHAD/BILAD AL RAAFIDAINI; a.k.a. TANZIM QA’IDAT AL-JIHAD FI BILAD AL-RAFIDAYN; a.k.a. THE MONOTHEISM AND JIHAD GROUP; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION BASE OF JIHAD/COUNTRY OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION BASE OF JIHAD/MESOPOTAMIA; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE IN IRAQ; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE OF OPERATIONS IN IRAQ; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF AL-JIHAD’S BASE OF OPERATIONS IN THE LAND OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE ORGANIZATION OF JIHAD’S BASE IN THE COUNTRY OF THE TWO RIVERS; a.k.a. THE VICTORY FRONT) [FTO] [SDGT].

OFAC Recent Actions

September 19, 2012 – The following person & entity have been added to OFAC’s SDN List

• Director of Syria’s Scientific Studies Research Center (SSRC) Amr Armanazi

The State Department today is designating SSRC Director Amr Armanazi pursuant to E.O. 13382. The SSRC is the Syrian government agency responsible for developing and producing non-conventional weapons and the missiles to deliver them. The SSRC also has a public civilian research function; however, its activities focus on the development of biological weapons, chemical weapons, and missiles. During his tenure, Armanazi oversaw a facility that was involved in the production of sarin nerve agent.

The SSRC was listed in the Annex to E.O. 13382 in June 2005 for its ties to Syria’s WMD proliferation activities. The SSRC has also been sanctioned under INKSNA since May 23, 2011.

• ARMY SUPPLY BUREAU, P.O. Box 3361, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA] [NPWMD]

Syria’s Army Supply Bureau, an element of the Syrian Ministry of Defense involved in conventional military and missile-related procurement, is being identified today as an entity belonging to the Government of Syria as well as designated under E.O. 13382 for providing support for Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) subsidiary Iran Electronics Industries (IEI). The Army Supply Bureau has standing contracts with IEI. In March 2012, IEI prepared to send two large shipments of communications equipment, including VHF/UHF jammers, to Syria’s Army Supply Bureau. These shipments were valued at more than $2 million and financed by the Central Bank of Syria. In August 2012, international press reported on the suspected use of jamming equipment by the Syrian government against Syrian anti-government fighters at an army checkpoint at the entrance to Aleppo.

Syria’s Army Supply Bureau was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of State, pursuant to the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA), in December 2011.

OFAC Recent Actions

September 13, 2012 – Anti-terrorism Designations

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

• BADR AL DIN, Mustafa (a.k.a. AL FIQAR, Dhu; a.k.a. BADREDDINE, Mustafa Amine; a.k.a. BADREDDINE, Mustafa Youssef; a.k.a. ISSA, Sami; a.k.a. SAAB, Elias Fouad; a.k.a. SA’B, Ilyas), Beirut, Lebanon; DOB 06 Apr 1961; POB Al-Ghobeiry, Beirut, Lebanon (individual) [SDGT].
• HAMIYAH, Talal (a.k.a. HAMIYAH, Talal Husni; a.k.a. MEZERANI, Ismat); DOB 27 Nov 1952; alt. DOB 18 Mar 1960; alt. DOB 05 Mar 1958; alt. DOB 08 Dec 1958; POB Tarayya, Lebanon; alt. POB Sojad, Lebanon; nationality Lebanon; citizen Lebanon (individual) [SDGT].

The following changes have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

• NASRALLAH, Hasan; DOB 31 Aug 1960; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1953; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1955; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1958; POB Al Basuriyah, Lebanon; Passport 042833 (Lebanon); Secretary General of HIZBALLAH (individual) [SDT]. -to- NASRALLAH, Hasan (a.k.a. NASRALLAH, Hasan Abd-al-Karim); DOB 31 Aug 1960; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1953; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1955; alt. DOB 31 Aug 1958; POB Al Basuriyah, Lebanon; Passport 042833 (Lebanon); Secretary General of HIZBALLAH (individual) [SDT] [SYRIA].

OFAC Recent Actions

August 14, 2012 – Syria Designations Removals – Treasury Lifts Sanctions Against Defected Syrian Prime Minister

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today is lifting sanctions against former Prime Minister of Syria Riyad Hijab who recently severed his ties with the Assad regime. This action is being taken because Hijab is no longer a senior official of the Government of Syria. Hijab’s name will be removed from Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List, and he is no longer subject to an asset freeze.

Since the uprising against the Assad regime began last year, the United States has used a number of different authorities to target and sanction those involved in human rights abuse in Syria, senior Syrian government officials, and the Syrian government itself in an effort to hasten the removal of the Assad regime from power and end the government’s campaign of violence against the Syrian people.

“Recent civilian and military defections from the Assad regime are further indications that the government is crumbling and losing its grip on power,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. “The United States encourages other officials within the Syrian government, in both the political and military ranks, to take similarly courageous steps to reject the Assad regime and stand with the Syrian people.”

On July 18, 2012, Treasury designated 29 senior officials of the Syrian government, including Prime Minister Riyad Hijab, pursuant to Executive Order 13573 of May 18, 2011 “Blocking Property of Senior Officials of the Government of Syria.” Three weeks later Hijab chose to defect from the Syrian government and denounce its campaign of violence.

One of the goals of identifying and levying sanctions on specific individuals is to encourage them to reconsider their involvement with the current Syrian government. Today’s action illustrates the flexibility and responsiveness of the U.S. sanctions regime, allowing a prompt response to events on the ground. It is not too late for others who continue to provide support to the Assad regime to sever their ties and to be relieved of the burden of sanctions.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Wael Nader Al-Halqi was designated by the Treasury Department in July 2012, in his previous position as the Minister of Health. The sanctions against Al-Halqi remain in effect.

The following deletions have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

• HIJAB, Riyad (a.k.a. HIJAB, Riyad Farid), Syria; DOB 1966; POB Deir Ezzor, Syria; Prime Minister (individual) [SYRIA].
• HIJAB, Riyad Farid (a.k.a. HIJAB, Riyad), Syria; DOB 1966; POB Deir Ezzor, Syria; Prime Minister (individual) [SYRIA].

US Department of the Treasury Press Release

August 10, 2012 – Background Briefing on Further Sanctions Under the Iran Sanctions Act – Sytrol Syria

Quoted from the press release: >> As I know you’ve seen from the statement that went out a couple of hours ago, today the Administration has imposed sanctions on the Syrian state-run oil company Sytrol under the Iran Sanctions Act as that act has been amended over the years by the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act. These sanctions are because of transactions that Sytrol engaged in with Iran’s energy sector, and I think the action we’re taking today highlights the really serious concerns that the United States has about the close ties shared by the Iranian and Syrian regimes and the fact that we, the United States, are committed to using every tool available to prevent regional destabilization.

In April of this year (2012), Syria and Iran engaged in a two-way trade in the energy sector in which Syria sent 33,000 metric tons of gasoline to Iran. The United States has determined that the value of that gasoline that was delivered by Sytrol to Iran this last April was over 36 million, which significantly exceeds the thresholds needed to trigger sanctions under the applicable laws.<<

US Department of State Press Release

August 10, 2012 – Syria Designation​; Iran Sanctions Act Action – Treasury Targets Hizballah for Supporting the Assad Regime

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated the terrorist group Hizballah for providing support to the Government of Syria, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13582, which targets the Government of Syria and its supporters. This action highlights Hizballah’s activities within Syria and its integral role in the continued violence the Assad regime is inflicting on the Syrian population.

Since the beginning of the Syrian people’s courageous campaign in early 2011 to secure their universal rights, Hizballah has provided training, advice and extensive logistical support to the Government of Syria’s increasingly ruthless efforts to fight against the opposition. Hasan Nasrallah, Hizballah’s Secretary-General, has overseen Hizballah’s efforts to help the Syrian regime’s violent crackdown on the Syrian civilian population. Hizballah has directly trained Syrian government personnel inside Syria and has facilitated the training of Syrian forces by Iran’s terrorist arm, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Qods Force (IRGC-QF). Hizballah also has played a substantial role in efforts to expel Syrian opposition forces from areas within Syria.

“Hizballah’s extensive support to the Syrian government’s violent suppression of the Syrian people exposes the true nature of this terrorist organization and its destabilizing presence in the region,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. “Long after the Assad regime is gone, the people of Syria and the entire global community will remember that Hizballah, and its patron Iran, contributed to the regime’s murder of countless innocent Syrians.”

Hizballah has coordinated its support to the Government of Syria with the IRGC-QF and senior Syrian government officials. The IRGC-QF, which serves as a conduit for Iran’s material support to the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate (GID), was listed for sanctions in the Annex to E.O. 13572, which targets those responsible for human rights abuses in Syria. It had been previously sanctioned under E.O.13224 in October 2007 for its support to terrorists, including Hizballah. Qasem Soleimani, the long-time commander of the IRGC-QF, was also designated last year pursuant to E.O. 13572 for his personal support to the Syrian regime.

For years, Iran has also provided Hizballah with training, weapons and explosives, as well as political, diplomatic, monetary and organizational aid. The IRGC-QF’s continued cooperation and coordination with Hizballah has assisted the Syrian government’s efforts to violently crush opposition to Assad’s rule in Syria and highlights the combined Iranian and Syrian campaign to use their military resources and terrorist clients to inflict violence and suffering on the Syrian people and deny their legitimate democratic aspirations.

Hizballah was previously named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to E.O. 13224 in October 2001, and listed in the Annex to E.O. 12947 as a Specially Designated Terrorist (SDT) on January 23, 1995. Hasan Nasrallah was named an SDT pursuant to E.O. 12947 in January 1995.

In addition to the actions taken against the IRGC-QF and Qasem Soleimani in 2011 under E.O. 13572, the United States has repeatedly exposed Iran’s support for the ongoing violence perpetrated by the Syrian government. In June 2011, Treasury designated Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) which, like the IRGC-QF, provided material support to the Syrian GID; the LEF also dispatched personnel to Damascus to assist the Syrian government in its efforts to suppress the Syrian people. In February 2012, Treasury designated the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security, Iran’s primary intelligence organization, for providing substantial technical assistance to the Syrian GID. With actions such as today’s designation, Treasury will continue to expose Iran’s provision of support to the Government of Syria as well as its continued support of Hizballah’s activities within Syria and throughout the region. Treasury News Item

August 10, 2012 – Specially Designated Nationals List Update – The following changes have been made to OFAC’s SDN List:

• HIZBALLAH (a.k.a. ANSAR ALLAH; a.k.a. FOLLOWERS OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMED; a.k.a. ISLAMIC JIHAD; a.k.a. ISLAMIC JIHAD FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE; a.k.a. ISLAMIC JIHAD ORGANIZATION; a.k.a. ORGANIZATION OF RIGHT AGAINST WRONG; a.k.a. ORGANIZATION OF THE OPPRESSED ON EARTH; a.k.a. PARTY OF GOD; a.k.a. REVOLUTIONARY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION) [FTO] [SDGT] [SDT]. -to- HIZBALLAH (a.k.a. ANSAR ALLAH; a.k.a. FOLLOWERS OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMED; a.k.a. ISLAMIC JIHAD; a.k.a. ISLAMIC JIHAD FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE; a.k.a. ISLAMIC JIHAD ORGANIZATION; a.k.a. ORGANIZATION OF RIGHT AGAINST WRONG; a.k.a. ORGANIZATION OF THE OPPRESSED ON EARTH; a.k.a. PARTY OF GOD; a.k.a. REVOLUTIONARY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION) [FTO] [SDGT] [SDT] [SYRIA].
• SYTROL, Prime Minister Building, 17 Street Nissan, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA]. -to- SYTROL, Prime Minister Building, 17 Street Nissan, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA] [ISA].

August 03, 2012 – Questions Related to Humanitarian Assistance to Syria

The United States government is working with the international community to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people while applying comprehensive sanctions against the Government of Syria and targeted sanctions on key individuals and entities supporting the Assad regime, in order to continue pressuring the Syrian government to stop its human rights abuses and other illicit activities. The following frequently asked questions provide an overview of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Syria sanctions program and guidance to the public on sending remittances, goods and services, and charitable assistance to Syria.

For additional Treasury guidance on protecting charitable donations from abuse, please view this document: Protecting Charitable Giving FAQ – June 4, 2010 . Additional questions may be directed to Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) hotline at (800) 540-6322 or (202) 622-2490.

See for Questions like: <sort> Why does the United States have sanctions against Syria and what does that mean for me? How can I help the Syrian people while making sure to abide by the U.S. sanctions? May I continue to send money to family or friends in Syria? May I send personal remittances through the Commercial Bank of Syria, the Syrian-Lebanese Commercial Bank, or the Syria International Islamic Bank (SIIB) to family or friends in Syria? Do I need a specific license from OFAC to send U.S.-origin food or medicine to Syria? Can I give donations to NGOs to help the Syrian people? Can U.S. NGOs deliver humanitarian assistance directly to Syria? As an individual, can I send financial donations directly to Syria in support of charitable activities under General License No. 11? </sort>

July 18, 2012 – Syria Designations & Non-proliferation Designations (connected to Syria)

Specially Designated Nationals Update – The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

<sort> AHED AL-ZOUBI, Omran; DOB 1959; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Information (individual) [SYRIA]. AHMAD AL-ABDULLAH, Subhi; DOB 1951; POB Idleb, Sryia; Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-ASSAF, Safwan; DOB 1959; POB Hama, Syria; Minister of Housing and Urban Development (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-HALQI, Wael Nader; DOB 1964; POB Daraa, Syria; Minister of Health (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-JLEILATI, MOHAMMAD (a.k.a. AL-JILILATI, MOHAMMAD); DOB 1945; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Finance (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-NASSER, Hala Mohammad; DOB 1964; POB Raqqa, Syria; Minister of Tourism (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-SAYYED, Mohammad Abdul-Sattar; DOB 1958; POB Tartus, Syria; Minister of Religious Endowments (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-SIBAEI, Yasser; DOB 1951; POB Homs, Syria; Minister of Public Works (individual) [SYRIA]. AL-WAZZ, Hazwan; DOB 1962; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Education (individual) [SYRIA]. AZZAM, Mansour Fadlallah; DOB 1960; POB Sweida, Syria; Minister of Presidential Affairs (individual) [SYRIA]. FARAH SARKIS, Nazira; DOB 1962; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of State for Environment Affairs (individual) [SYRIA]. FARZAT, Hussein Mahmoud; DOB 1957; POB Hama, Syria; Minister of State (individual) [SYRIA]. GHALAWANJI, Omar Ibrahim; DOB 1954; POB Tartous, Syria; Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs; Minister of Local Administration (individual) [SYRIA]. HABIB, Radwan; DOB 1962; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Justice (individual) [SYRIA]. HAIDAR, Ali; DOB 1962; POB Hama, Syria; Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs (individual) [SYRIA]. HANNA, Bassam; DOB 1954; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Water Resources (individual) [SYRIA]. HIJAB, Riyad (a.k.a. HIJAB, Riyad Farid), Syria; DOB 1966; POB Deir Ezzor, Syria; Prime Minister (individual) [SYRIA]. IBRAHIM SAID, Mahmoud; DOB 1953; POB Lattakia, Syria; Minister of Transport (individual) [SYRIA]. JAMIL, Qadri (a.k.a. JAMIL, Kadri); DOB 1952; POB Damascus, Syria; Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection (individual) [SYRIA]. KHAMIS, Imad Mohammad Deeb; DOB 01 Aug 1961; POB near Damascus, Syria; Minister of Electricity (individual) [SYRIA]. MAYALEH, Adib (a.k.a. MAYALA, Adib); DOB 1955; POB Daraa, Syria; Governor of Central Bank of Syria (individual) [SYRIA]. MOHAMMAD ZAKARYA, Jassim; DOB 1968; POB Hasaka, Syria; Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (individual) [SYRIA]. MSHAWEH, Lubanah; DOB 1955; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Culture (individual) [SYRIA]. MU’ZI HNEIDI, Said; DOB 1954; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources (individual) [SYRIA]. SABOUNI, Imad Abdul-Ghani (a.k.a. SABOUNI, Emad Abdul-Ghani); DOB 1964; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Communications and Technology (individual) [SYRIA]. HUKRI KURDI, Fuad; DOB 1953; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Industry (individual) [SYRIA]. SWEID, Joseph Jurji (a.k.a. SUWAID, Joseph); DOB 1958; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of State (individual) [SYRIA]. YEHYA MOALLA, Mohammad; DOB 1951; POB Lattakia, Syria; Minister of Higher Education (individual) [SYRIA]. ZAFER MIHBEK, Mohammad; DOB 1945; POB Aleppo, Syria; Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade (individual) [SYRIA]. </sort> The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN list: <sort> BUSINESS LAB, Maysat Square Al Rasafi Street Bldg. 9, PO Box 7155, Damascus, Syria [NPWMD]. DREX TECHNOLOGIES S.A. (a.k.a. DREX TECHNOLOGIES), Virgin Islands, British; Company Number 394678 (Virgin Islands, British) [SYRIA]. HANDASIEH (a.k.a. ORGANIZATION FOR ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES), PO Box 21120 Baramkeh, Damascus, Syria; PO Box 2849, Al Moutanabi Street, Damascus, Syria; PO Box 5966, Abou Bakr Al Seddeq St., Damascus, Syria [NPWMD]. INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS, Baghdad Street 5, PO Box 6394, Damascus, Syria [NPWMD]. MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION FACTORY, PO Box 35202, Industrial Zone, Al-Qadam Road, Damascus, Syria [NPWMD]. SYRONICS (a.k.a. SYRIAN ARAB CO. FOR ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES), Kaboon Street, PO Box 5966, Damascus, Syria [NPWMD]. </sort>

June 22, 2012 – Updated Syria QA – OFAC QA Syria

May 30, 2012 – Non-proliferation Designation – The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• SYRIA INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK (a.k.a. SIIB; a.k.a. SYRIAN INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK), Syria International Islamic Building , Main Highway Road, Al Mazzeh Area, P.O. Box 35494, Damascus , Syria; PO Box 35494, Mezza’h Vellat Sharqia’h, beside the Saudi Arabia Consulate , Damascus , Syria; SWIFT/BIC SIIB SY DA; all offices worldwide [NPWMD]

Treasury Takes New Action to Isolate the Assad Regime from the International Financial System

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated the Syria International Islamic Bank (SIIB) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 for acting for or on behalf of the Commercial Bank of Syria and providing services to the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, both of which are subject to U.S. and international sanctions. SIIB has acted as a front for the Commercial Bank of Syria, which has allowed that ban – Syria’s largest commercial bank – to circumvent sanctions against it by the United States, the European Union and the Arab League.

“Today’s action will add to the economic pressure on the Assad regime by closing off a key evasion route. The Treasury Department, working with others around the world who share our goal of ending the brutal repression of the Syrian people, will continue to close off the Assad regime’s access to the international financial system,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen.

SIIB was established in Damascus in September 2007 and has 20 branches and three representative offices throughout Syria. From 2011 to 2012, SIIB surreptitiously facilitated financing worth almost $150 million on behalf of the Commercial Bank of Syria. Financial arrangements that were purportedly made by SIIB were actually made by the Commercial Bank of Syria. In addition to working with the Commercial Bank of Syria to circumvent sanctions, in 2012, SIIB facilitated several substantial payments for the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, and facilitated a payment from this designated bank to an entity of proliferation concern.

The Treasury Department designated the Commercial Bank of Syria and its subsidiary, Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, under E.O. 13382 on August 10, 2011, based on the Commercial Bank of Syria’s support to entities related to Syrian and North Korean proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. To view the August 2011 designation click here.

The Treasury Department is working closely with partners in the international community to isolate the Assad regime from the international financial system.

With respect to today’s action, the U.S. Government consulted with the Government of Qatar on the designation of SIIB under E.O. 13382, and the Government of Qatar is taking corresponding actions. We commend the Government of Qatar for its important regional and international role in maintaining economic pressure on the Assad regime. Today’s action does not target the Qatari investors who hold investments in SIIB.

Moreover, on June 6, Treasury will host in Washington the second meeting of the Friends of the Syrian People International Working Group on Sanctions. The meeting, which the United States will co-chair with the governments of Turkey and Qatar, will focus on ways to further strengthen international sanctions against the Syrian regime.

Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, signed on June 28, 2005, is an authority aimed at freezing the assets of proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters, and at isolating them from the U.S. financial and commercial systems. Designations under E.O. 13382 generally prohibit transactions between the designees and any U.S. person, and freeze any assets the designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction. Section 1(a)(iii) of E.O. 13382 provides for the designation of persons who have provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological, or other support for, or goods or services in support of persons blocked under the Order. Section 1(a)(iv) of E.O. 13382 provides for the designation of persons which are owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, of persons blocked under the Order.

OFAC Recent Update – May 30, 2012 & US OFAC Press Release

April 27, 2012 – ​Syria General License 4A Issued – The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued General License 4A, which authorizes the exports or reexports to Syria of items licensed or otherwise authorized by the Department of Commerce and of exports and reexports of certain services. General License 4A replaces and supersedes General License 4, dated August 18, 2011. GL 4A

April 23, 2012 – New Executive Order Targeting Human Rights Abuses via Information Technology

The President announced an Executive Order, “Blocking the Property and Suspending Entry into the United States of Certain Persons with Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria Via Information Technology” (“the GHRAVITY E.O.” or the “Order”). The Order targets, among others, persons determined to have operated, or to have directed the operation of, information and communications technology that facilitates computer or network disruption, monitoring or tracking that could assist in or enable human rights abuses by or on behalf of the Government of Syria or the Government of Iran.

Pursuant to this order sanctions were imposed on:

• Syrian General Intelligence Directorate (GID)
• GID’s Director Ali Mamluk
• Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS)
• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
• Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces (LEF)
• Iranian Internet service provider Datak Telecom
• Syrian communication firm Syriatel.

Fact Sheet & Press Release – Executive Order

April 23, 2012 – Release of GHRAVITY Executive Order FAQs ​ On April 22, 2012, the President signed an Executive Order Blocking The Property And Suspending Entry into the United States of Certain Persons with Respect to Grave Human Rights Abuses by the Governments of Iran and Syria Via Information Technology (the “GHRAVITY E.O.”). Effective 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 23, 2012, the GHRAVITY E.O. blocks all property and interests in property of persons listed in its Annex, and all persons determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with or at the recommendation of the Secretary of State, to meet the criteria in the order.

For more information on this Executive Order, please see these Frequently Asked Questions.

March 30, 2012 – Syria Designations – Specially Designated Nationals Update

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• ADANOV, Munir (a.k.a. ADANOF, Munir; a.k.a. ADNUF, Munir); DOB 1951; Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Syrian Army; Lieutenant General (individual) [SYRIA]
• RAJIHA, Dawood (a.k.a. RAJHA, Daood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Davoud; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawood; a.k.a. RAJHA, Dawoud; a.k.a. RAJIHA, Dawood Abdukllah; a.k.a. RAJIHAH, Dawud); DOB 1947; POB Damascus, Syria; Minister of Defense; General (individual) [SYRIA]

The following changes have been made to OFAC’s SDN list:

• SHALISH, Zuhayr (a.k.a. AL-HEMMEH, Thu; a.k.a. AL-SHALISH, Dhu Al-Himma; a.k.a. SHALEESH, Dhu Himma; a.k.a. SHALEESH, Thu Al Hima; a.k.a. SHALISH, Dhu Al Himma; a.k.a. SHALISH, Dhuil Himma; a.k.a. SHALISH, Zuhilma), Damascus, Syria; DOB circa 1956; POB Al-Ladhiqiyah, Syria; nationality Syria; General; Has a military position- is known also as Major General or Brigadier General. (individual) [IRAQ2] -to- SHALISH, Zuhayr (a.k.a. AL-HEMMEH, Thu; a.k.a. AL-SHALISH, Dhu Al-Himma; a.k.a. SHALEESH, Dhu Himma; a.k.a. SHALEESH, Thu Al Hima; a.k.a. SHALISH, Dhu Al Himma; a.k.a. SHALISH, Dhuil Himma; a.k.a. SHALISH, Zuhilma), |Damascus, Syria; DOB circa 1956; POB Al-Ladhiqiyah, Syria; nationality Syria; Brigadier General; Major General| (individual) |[SYRIA] [IRAQ2]|

OFAC Recent Updates – March 30, 2012 & Treasury Press Release

March 05, 2012 – Syria Designation – Specially Designated Nationals Updates

Targets Main Syrian Broadcasters Supporting Violent Crackdown

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today identified the Syrian General Organization of Radio and TV as subject to sanctions imposed on the Government of Syria in Executive Order (E.O.) 13582 of August 17, 2011.

E.O. 13582 blocks all property and interests in property of the Government of Syria, which includes its agencies, instrumentalities and controlled entities, within U.S. jurisdiction, whether specifically identified by OFAC or not. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in business with any Syrian state-owned entity. Today’s identification is intended to aid compliance with E.O. 13582.

The General Organization of Radio and TV is a state-run agency subordinate to Syria’s Ministry of Information. It is responsible for operating Syria’s state-owned television channels, two terrestrial and one satellite, as well as the government radio stations.

The Syrian regime’s use of state entities to repress and attack civilians has imposed a devastating toll on the people of Syria. The United States has consistently stood against this abuse and has taken strong steps to target the regime’s ability to act against the Syrian people.

“The General Organization of Radio and TV has served as an arm of the Syrian regime as it mounts increasingly barbaric attacks on its own population and seeks both to mask and legitimize its violence. By taking this action today, Treasury is sending a clear signal that it stands with the Syrian people. Any individuals or institutions supporting its abhorrent behavior will be targeted and cut off from the international financial system,” said Adam Szubin, Director of Treasury’s OFAC.

U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Government of Syria, including the General Organization of Radio and TV, and any assets the Government of Syria may have subject to U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• GENERAL ORGANIZATION OF RADIO AND TV (a.k.a. GENERAL RADIO AND TELEVISION CORPORATION; a.k.a. RADIO AND TELEVISION CORPORATION; a.k.a. RTV SYRIA; a.k.a. SYRIAN DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF RADIO & TELEVISION EST; a.k.a. “GORT”), Al Oumaween Square, P.O. Box 250, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA]

OFAC Recent Actions March 05, 2012 & Treasury Press Release

February 23, 2012 – New General License No. 15 – Certain Transactions Related to Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights Authorized

1. The following transactions that would otherwise be prohibited by Executive Order 13582 in connection with patent, trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property protection in the United States or Syria are authorized:
   1. The filing and prosecution ofany application to obtain a patent, trademark, copyright, or other form of intellectual property protection;
   2. The receipt of a patent, trademark, copyright, or other form of intellectual property protection;
   3. The renewal or maintenance of a patent, trademark, copyright, or other form o f intellectual property protection; and
   4. The filing and prosecution of any opposition or infringement proceeding with respect to a patent, trademark, copyright, or other form of intellectual property protection, or the entrance of a defense to any such proceeding.
2. This general license authorizes the payment of fees currently due to the United States Government or the Government of Syria, or of the reasonable and customary fees and charges currently due to attorneys or representatives within the United States or Syria, in connection with the transactions authorized in paragraph (a) of this general license. Payment effected pursuant to the terms of this paragraph may not be made from a blocked account.

February 16, 2012 – Anti-Terrorism Designation; Syria Designation; Iran Human Rights Designation

Specially Designated Nationals Update

The following entity has been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• IRANIAN MINISTRY OF INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY (a.k.a. VEZARAT-E ETTELA’AT VA AMNIAT-E KESHVAR; a.k.a. “MOIS”; a.k.a. “VEVAK”), bounded roughly by Sanati Street on the west, 30th Street on the south, and Iraqi Street on the east, Tehran, Iran; Ministry of Intelligence, Second Negarestan Street, Pasdaran Avenue, Tehran, Iran [SDGT] [SYRIA] [IRAN-HR]

OFAC Resource Center

December 01, 2011 – OFAC Syria Designations – Treasury Sanctions High-Ranking Syrians, Identifies Government-Controlled Businesses – The US Department of the Treasury today announced the designation of two high-ranking Syrians pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13573 and identified the Military Housing Establishment and Real Estate Bank as entities owned or controlled by the Government of Syria pursuant to E.O. 13582, as the Government of Syria continues to employ brutal tactics against peaceful protestors across the country.

Today’s action, along with recent measures announced by the Arab League, Turkey and the EU, demonstrate a commitment by the United States and its partners to work in close coordination to bring pressure to bear on the Assad regime, its agencies and instrumentalities by denying them access to the U.S. and international financial system.

“It has never been more critical to escalate pressure on the Syrian government to immediately cease all violence against its own people and isolate the regime from the international financial system,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. “We will continue to work closely with our partners in Europe and around the world to hasten a transition to democracy in Syria.”

As a result of today’s action, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with Muhammad Makhluf and Aus Aslan and any assets they might have under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. In addition, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Military Housing Establishment and Real Estate Bank pursuant to E.O. 13582, which blocks all property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction of the Government of Syria. Today’s identifications are intended to aid U.S. persons and others in meeting their obligations under E.O. 13582.

Muhammad Makhluf and Aus Aslan

Designated for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of Bashar Al-Assad was Muhammad Makhluf, the maternal uncle of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and father of Rami Makhluf. Muhammad Makhluf has served as one of President Bashar Al-Assad’s money men whom Assad used to make and move money, and has long served as a financial advisor to the Assad family. Makhluf ensured that assets in nearly all sectors were controlled by businessmen who were willing to act as proxies for the Assad regime in return for profits. In addition, he served as President Assad’s primary economic advisor and final decision maker on capital allocation decisions for Syrian regime investments in private banks in Syria.

Designated as a Syrian government official is Aus Aslan, a general in the Syrian military and commander within Syria’s 4th Armored Division, which is a key regime protection unit.

Military Housing Establishment and Real Estate Bank

The Military Housing Establishment is a public works company, controlled by the Syrian Ministry of Defense, which provides funding to the regime. Real Estate Bank, which is Syria’s second largest bank, is owned by the Syrian government’s Public Debt Fund – the institution responsible for administering the Government of Syria’s borrowings.

Today’s action was taken pursuant to E.O. 13582, which targets all property and interests in property of the Government of Syria. The Military Housing Establishment and Real Estate Bank were also designated by the European Union on June 23, 2011 and September 3, 2011, respectively.

Specially Designated Nationals Update

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• ASLAN, Aus; DOB 1959; alt. DOB 1960 (individual) [SYRIA]
• MAKHLUF, Muhammad (a.k.a. MAKHLOUF, Mohammed); DOB 19 Oct 1932; POB Latakia, Syria (individual) [SYRIA]

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• MILITARY HOUSING ESTABLISHMENT, Mili House, Adra Road, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA]
• REAL ESTATE BANK (a.k.a. REAL-ESTATE BANK), P.O. Box 2337, Insurance Bldg., Youssef Alazma Square, Damascus, Syria; Syrian General Insurance Company Building, Youssef Al Azmeh Square, P.O. Box 2337, Damascus, Syria; SWIFT/BIC REBS SY DA [SYRIA]

OFAC Recent Actions December 01, 2011 & OFAC Press Center

October 05, 2011 – Syria Frequently Asked Questions – OFAC is issuing FAQ regarding Executive Order 13582, Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Syria.​

October 03, 2011 – The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued two general licenses related to Syria to authorize payments for Overflights of Syrian Airspace (GL-13) & Transactions Related to Telecommunications Authorized (GL14-)

General License 13 – Allowable Payments for Overflights of Syrian Airspace

Payments to Syria of charges for services rendered by the Govemment of Syria in connection with the overflight of Syria or emergency landing in Syria of aircraft owned or operated by a United States person or registered in the United States are authorized, provided that no payment may be made by, to, or through any person other than the Govemment of Syria whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of Febmary 13, 2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18, 2011, or Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011.

General License 14 – Transactions Related to Telecommunications Authorized

(a) AU transactions with respect to the receipt and transmission of telecommimications involving Syria are authorized provided that no payment pmsuant to this general license may involve (1) any debit to an account of the Govemment of Syria on the books of a U.S. fmancial institution, or (2) any transaction with a person other than the Govemment of Syria whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of Febmary 13, 2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18, 2011, or Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011.

(b) This general license does not authorize;

1. the provision, sale, or lease to the Govemment of Syria or to a person in Syria of telecommunications equipment or technology; or
2. the provision, sale, or lease of capacity on telecommunications transmission facilities (such as satellite or terrestrial network connectivity) to Syria.

September 27, 2011 – The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued one (1) general licenses (No 12) related to Syria – Third-country Diplomatic and Consular Funds Transfers

U.S. depository institutions, U.S. registered brokers or dealers in securities, and U.S. registered money transmitters are authorized to process funds transfers for the operating expenses or other official business of third-country diplomatic or consular missions in Syria, provided that the transfer is not by, to, or through the Govemment of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13, 2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18, 2011, or Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011

September 27, 2011 – The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued one (1) general licenses (No 11) related to Syria – Authorizing Certain Services in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations’ Activities in Syria.

• (a) Nongovernmental organizations are authorized to export or reexport services to Syria that would otherwise be prohibited by section 2 of Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011 (“E.O. 13582”), in support of the following not-for-profit activities:
  • Activities to support humanitarian projects to meet basic human needs in Syria, including, but not limited to, drought relief, assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons, and conflict victims, food and medicine distribution, and the provision of health services;
  • Activities to support democracy building in Syria, including, but not limited to, rule of law, citizen participation, government accountability, and civil society development projects:
  • Activities to support education in Syria, including, but not limited to, combating illiteracy, increasing access to education, and assisting education reform projects; and
  • Activities to support non-commercial development projects directly benefiting the Syrian people, including, but not limited to, preventing infectious disease and promoting maternal/child health, sustainable agriculture, and clean water assistance.
• (b) U.S. depository institutions, U.S. registered brokers or dealers in securities, and U.S. registered money transmitters are authorized to process transfers of funds on behalf of U.S or third-country’ non-governmental organizations to or from Syria in support of the activities authorized by paragraph (a), provided that, except as authorized by paragraph (c), the transfer is not by, to, or through the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13, 2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18,’2011, or E.O. 13582 (collectively, the “Orders”).
• (c) Nongovernmental organizations are authorized to engage in transactions with the Government of Syria that are necessary for the activities authorized by paragraph (a) of this general license, including, but not limited to, payment of taxes, fees, and import duties to, and purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services from, the Government of Syria.
• (d) Except as authorized in paragraph (c), this general license does not authorize the exportation or re-exportation of services to, charitable donations to or for the benefit of, or any other transactions involving, the Government of Syria or any other person blocked pursuant to the Orders. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by case basis for these purposes.

NOTE TO GENERAL LICENSE NO. 11: For guidance regarding the exportation or re-exportation of items to Syria, see General License No. 4, “Exportation or Re-exportation to S>Tia of Items Subject to the Export Administration Regulations; Exportation or Re-exportation of Services Ordinarily Incident to Exportations or Re-exportations of Items Licensed or Otherwise Authorized and Related Services.”

September 10, 2011 – The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued four (4) general licenses related to Syria to authorize:

• Wind down transactions (GL7)
• Certain official activities of international organizations (GL8)
• Incidental transactions related to U.S. persons residing in Syria (GL9)
• Operation of accounts (GL10)

OFAC Recent actions September 9, 2011

General License 7 – Winding Down Contracts Involving the Government of Syria; Divestiture of a U.S. Person’s Investments or Winding Down of Contracts Involving Syria

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this general license, all transactions and activities with the Government of Syria or other persons otherwise prohibited under Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011 (“E.O. 13582”), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to wind down contracts or other agreements involving the Government of Syria that were in effect prior to August 18,2011, are authorized through November 25, 2011.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this general license, all transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary (l) to the winding down or divestiture or transfer to a foreign person of a U.S. person’s share of ownership, including an equity interest, in pre-August 18,2011 investments located in Syria, or (2) to the winding down ofa contractual or other commitment that was in effect prior to August 18, 2011, involving· the exportation of services to Syria, are authorized through November 25,2011.

(c) This general license does not authorize:

• Any debit to an account of the Government of Syria on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11,2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13,2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18,2011, or E.O. 13582 (collectively, the “Orders”); or
• Any transaction with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the Orders other than the Government of Syria.

(d) U.S. persons participating in transactions authorized by this general license are required, within 10 business days after the transactions take place, to file a detailed report, including, but not limited to, the parties involved, the value of the transactions, and the dates of the transactions, with the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Licensing Division, U.S. Treasury Department, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW-Annex, Washington, DC 20220.

General License 8 – Official Activities of International Organizations:

(a) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this general license, all transactions and activities otherwise prohibited by Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011 (“E.O. 13582”), that are for the conduct of the official business of the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies, Programmes, and Funds, by employees, contractors, or grantees thereof are authorized. NOTE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a) OF GENERAL LICENSE NO.8: Specialized Agencies of the United Nations include, but are not limited to, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Programmes and Funds of the United Nations include, but are not limited to, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP). See the United Nations Org Chart for a complete listing of Specialized Agencies, Programmes, and Funds of the United Nations.

(b) Contractors or grantees conducting transactions authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this general license must provide a copy oftheir contract or grant with the United Nations, or its Specialized Agencies, Programmes, and Funds, to any U.S. person before the U.S. person engages in or facilitates any transaction or activity prohibited by E.O. 13582. If the contract or grant contains any sensitive or proprietary information, such information may be redacted or removed from the copy given to the U.S. person, provided that the information is not necessary to demonstrate that the transaction is authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this general license.

(c) Any U.S. person engaging in or facilitating transactions authorized pursuant to this general license shall keep a full and accurate record of each such transaction, including any supporting documentation, and such record shall be available for examination for at least five (5) years after the date of the transaction.

(d) No payment pursuant to this general license may involve a debit to an account blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11,2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13,2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18,2011, or E.O. 13582.

NOTE 1 TO GENERAL LICENSE NO.8: This license does not relieve any persons participating in transactions authorized hereunder from compliance with any other U.S. legal requirements applicable to the transactions authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this general license. See, e.g., the Export Administration Regulation, 15 C.F.R. parts 730 et seq.

NOTE 2 TO GENERAL LICENSE NO.8: Section 7 of E.O. 13582 exempts transactions for the conduct of the official business of the Federal government by employees, grantees, or contractors thereof.

NOTE 3 TO GENERAL LICENSE NO.8: For additional guidance regarding the exportation or re-exportation of items to Syria, see General License No.4, “Exportation or Re-exportation to Syria of Items Subject to the Export Administration Regulations; Exportation or Re-exportation of Services Ordinarily Incident to Exportations or Re-exportations of Items Licensed or Otherwise Authorized and Related Services.”

General License 9 – Transactions Related to U.S. Persons Residing in Syria

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this general license, individuals who are U.S. persons residing in Syria are authorized to pay their personal living expenses in Syria and to engage in other transactions, including with the Government of Syria, otherwise prohibited by Executive Order 13582 of August 17,2011 (“E.O. 13582”), that are ordinarily incident and necessary to their personal maintenance within Syria, including, but not limited to, payment of housing expenses, acquisition of goods or services for personal use, payment of taxes or fees to the Government of Syria, and purchase or receipt of permits, licenses, or public utility services from the Government of Syria.

(b) This general license does not authorize:

• Any debit to an account of the Government of Syria on the books of a U.S. financial institution or to any account blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11,2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13,2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18,2011, or E.O. 13582 (collectively, the “Orders”);
• Any transaction with a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the Orders other than the Government of Syria; or
• Transactions or services ordinarily incident to operating or supporting a business in Syria, employment in Syria, or any new investment in Syria.

General License 10 – Authorizes U.S. financial institutions to operate accounts for non-blocked individuals in Syria as long as the transactions are for non-commercial purposes and do not involve transfers to Syria or for the benefit of persons residing in Syria.

The operation of an account in a U.S. financial institution for an individual in Syria other than an individual whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13338 of May 11,2004, Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, Executive Order 13460 of February 13,2008, Executive Order 13572 of April 29, 2011, Executive Order 13573 of May 18,2011, or Executive Order 13582 of August 17, 2011 (collectively, the “Orders”), is authorized, provided that transactions processed through the account:

• Are of a personal nature and not for use in supporting or operating a business;
• Do not involve transfers directly or indirectly to Syria or for the benefit of individuals ordinarily resident in Syria unless authorized by General License No.6 (“Noncommercial, Personal Remittances Authorized”); and
• Are not otherwise prohibited by the Orders.

August 30, 2011 – Treasury Targets Additional Syrian Government US Treas SDN Listing

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the designations of three senior officials of the Government of Syria: <sort> Walid Al-Moallem – Syria’s Foreign and Expatriates Minister Bouthaina Shaaban – Syria’s Presidential Political and Media Advisor Ali Abdul Karim Ali – Syria’s Ambassador to Lebanon </sort>

Walid Al-Moallem was appointed Foreign and Expatriates Minister in February 2006 and Bouthaina Shaaban has served as Syria’s Presidential Political and Media Advisor since July 2008. As Syria’s primary link to Lebanon, Ali Abdul Karim Ali has served as the Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon since May 2009 and has maintained close ties to Syrian intelligence throughout his diplomatic career.

Signed by President Obama on May 18, 2011, E.O. 13573 targets senior officials of the Government of Syria. On August 18, 2011, the President signed E.O. 13582, imposing additional sanctions – the strongest to date – against the Government of Syria and its instrumentalities, including its Central Bank and its energy sector. As a result of today’s action, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with any of the designees and any assets they may have subject to U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.

August 18, 2011 – The President today (August 18, 2011) signed an Executive Order (EO 13582) imposing the following additional sanctions on Syria.

• Requires the immediate blocking of all assets of the Government of Syria subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
• Prohibits U.S. persons from exporting or reexporting services to Syria.
• Prohibits U.S. imports of Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products
• Prohibits U.S. persons from having any dealings in or related to Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products.
• Prohibits U.S. persons, wherever located, from operating or investing in Syria.
• Prohibits U.S. persons from approving, financing, facilitating or guaranteeing transactions by foreign person where the transaction by that foreign person would be prohibited if performed by a U.S. person or within the U.S.

Today’s sanctions, which are effective immediately, supplement the recent and past sanctions that have been imposed by the U.S. on Syria. As a result of the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (SAA), most exports and reexports of U.S. origin products to Syria have been prohibited since May 2004.

Today’s actions will not impact the export of humanitarian products to Syria, such as medicines, agricultural products and medical devices, which are authorized by the SAA either by general or specific licenses (authorized by OFAC General License No. 4 below).

(source: Int. Trade Law News)

August 18, 2011 – The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued six general licenses related to Syria to authorize certain: <sort> GL1 Diplomatic Services – General License 1 – Authorizing certain goods or services Syrian Diplomatic Missions in the United States GL2 Legal Services – General License 2 – Authorizing Provision of Certain Legal Services with Respect to Syria (however, payment of legal fees and related expenses must be specifically licensed) GL3 Normal Bank Service Charges – General License 3 – Entries in Certain Accounts for Normal Service Charges Authorized with Respect to Syria (authorizes financial institutions to normal service charges on blocked accounts) GL4 Exportation & Re-Exportation of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations & related services – General License 4 – Exportation or Re-Exportation to Syria of Items Subject to the EAR (BIS) GL5 Internet-Based Services – General License 5 – Exportation of Certain Services Incident to Internet-Based Communications Authorized (authorizes services, such as instant messaging, social networking, web browsing and blogging, as long as they are no cost to the user, subject to certain conditions) GL6 Personal Remittances – General License 6 – Noncommercial, Personal Remittances Authorized (authorizes banks, money transmitters and brokerage firms to process fund transfers involving non commercial personal remittances only) </sort>

August 18, 2011 – The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN list: <sort> GENERAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION (a.k.a. “GPC”), New Sham- Building of Syrian Oil Company, PO Box 60694, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA] – The state-owned company that controls Syria’s oil and gas industry and is responsible for the exploration, development and investment of Syria’s oil and gas exploration activities. SYRIAN COMPANY FOR OIL TRANSPORT (a.k.a. SYRIAN CRUDE OIL TRANSPORTATION COMPANY; a.k.a. “SCOT”; a.k.a. “SCOTRACO”), Banias Industrial Area, Latakia Entrance Way, P.O. Box 13, Banias, Syria; Website www.scot-syria.com; Email scot50@scn-net.org [SYRIA] SYRIAN GAS COMPANY, P.O. Box 4499, Homs, Syria; Agricultural Engineering Syndicate Building, Baab Hood Area, Al Arbeen District, Homs, Syria; Website www.sgc.gov.sy; Email sgcpdit@mail.sy; Email info@sgc.gov.sy [SYRIA] – Responsible for processing, transporting and marketing Syria’s natural gas. – Manages Syria’s domestic pipeline system and is responsible for transporting all Syrian crude and petroleum products. Syrian Company for Oil Transport manages Syria’s three major oil export/import terminals: Baniyas, Tartous and Latakia. SYRIAN PETROLEUM COMPANY (a.k.a. “SPC”), Dummar Province Expansion Square, Island 19, Building 32, PO Box 3378, Damascus, Syria; Dummar Province Expansion Square, Island 19, Building 32, PO Box 2849, Damascus, Syria; Todmar Project, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA] – Responsible for upstream oil production and development in Syria. SYTROL, Prime Minister Building, 17 Street Nissan, Damascus, Syria [SYRIA] – Syria’s state oil marketing firm that is responsible for selling Syrian crude to foreign buyers. </sort> Executive Order Concerning Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions with Respect to Syria.

OFAC Recent Actions – August 18, 2011

August 10, 2011 – The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN list: <sort> COMMERCIAL BANK OF SYRIA, Damascus Branch, P.O. Box 2231, Moawiya St., Damascus, Syria; P.O. Box 933, Yousef Azmeh Square, Damascus, Syria; Aleppo Branch, P.O. Box 2, Kastel Hajjarin St., Aleppo, Syria; SWIFT/BIC CMSY SY DA; all offices worldwide [NPWMD] SYRIAN LEBANESE COMMERCIAL BANK, Hamra, Makdessi Street, SLCB Building, P.O. Box 113-5127/11-8701, Beirut, Lebanon; Hamra Branch, Hamra St., Darwish and Fakhro Building, P.O. Box 113-5127/11-8701, Beirut, Lebanon; Mar Elias Branch, Mar Elias Street, Fakhani Building, P.O. Box 145 796, Beirut, Lebanon; SWIFT/BIC SYLC LB BE [NPWMD] Syriatel, aka Syriatel Mobile Telecom, address Doctors Syndicate Building, Al Jalaa Street, Abu Roumaneh Area, P.O. Box 2900, Damascus, Syria​ </sort> OFAC Designation August 10, 2011 – US Treasury Press Release

August 04, 2011 – The following individual & entity have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• HAMSHO, Muhammad (a.k.a. HAMCHO, Mohamed; a.k.a. HAMSHO, Mohammad; a.k.a. HAMSHO, Mohammed Saber; a.k.a. HAMSHOU, Mohammed; a.k.a. HAMSHU, Muhammad Sabir); DOB 20 May 1966; POB Damascus, Syria; nationality Syria; Passport 002954347 (individual) [SYRIA]

The following entities have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• HAMSHO INTERNATIONAL GROUP (a.k.a. HAMCHO INTERNATIONAL; a.k.a. HAMSHO GROUP; a.k.a. HAMSHO GROUP INTERNATIONAL; a.k.a. HAMSHO INTERNATIONAL), Baghdad Street, Building No. 31, P.O. Box 8254, Damascus, Syria; Hamsho Building, Free Zone Area, P.O. Box 8254, Syria [SYRIA]

OFAC Designation August 04, 2011

June 29, 2011 – The following individual & entity have been added to OFAC’s SDN list:

• HASSAN, Jamil (a.k.a. HASAN, Jamil); DOB 1953; POB Syria; Head of Syrian Air Force Intelligence; Major General (individual) [SYRIA]
• POLITICAL SECURITY DIRECTORATE (a.k.a. IDARAT AL-‘AMN AL-SIYYASI; a.k.a. POLITICAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT), Damascus, Syria [SYRIA]

OFAC Designation June 29, 2011

May 23, 2011 – Iran, North Korea and Syria nonproliferation Act (INKSNA) The United States imposed sanctions on two Belarusian entities, three Chinese entities and one individual, five Iranian entities and one individual, one North Korean entity, two Syrian entities and one Venezuelan entity.

Sanctioned entities are:

• Belarusian entities – Belarusian Optical Mechanical Association and BelTechExport;
• Chinese entities and individuals – Mr. Karl Lee, Dalian Sunny Industries, Dalian Zhongbang Chemical Industries Company, and Xian Junyun Electronic
• Iranian entities and individuals – Milad Jafari, Defense Industries Organization, Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force, SAD Import-Export Company, and Shahid Bakeri Industries Group (SBIG)
• North Korean entity – Tangun Trading
• Syrian entities – Industrial Establishment of Defense and Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC)
• Venezuelan entity – Venezuela Military Industries Company (CAVIM)

Sanctions were imposed on these entities as provided in the INKSNA because there was credible information indicating that they had transferred to or acquired from Iran, North Korea, or Syria equipment and technology listed on multilateral export control lists (Australia Group, Chemical Weapons Convention, Missile Technology Control Regime, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Wassenaar Arrangement) or otherwise having the potential to make a material contribution to WMD or cruise or ballistic missile systems.

The sanctions apply to the specific entities above and will be in effect for two years. The sanctions do not apply to these entities’ respective countries or governments.

The sanctions consist of the following:

• No department or agency of the U.S. Government may procure, or enter into any contract for the procurement of, any goods, services or technology from these entities;
• No department or agency of the U.S. Government may provide any assistance to these entities and they shall not be eligible to participate in any assistance program of the U.S. Government;
• U.S. Government sales of any item on the U.S. munitions list (USML) to any of these entities are prohibited, and sales of any defense articles, defense services or design and construction services controlled under the Arms Export Control Act are terminated; and
• New licenses will be denied and any existing licenses suspended, for transfer to these entities of items controlled under the Export Administration Act of 1979 or Export Administration Regulations. INKSNA Statement

May 18, 2011 – The President has signed an Executive Order Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria. The following names have been added as an annex to this order or have been designated pursuant to Executive Order 13572.

• Abdul Fatah QUDSIYA – Head of Syrian Military Intelligence, born circa 1950
• Adel SAFAR – Prime Minister, born 1953
• Ali Habib MAHMOUD – Minister of Defense, born 1939
• Bashar AL-ASSAD – President of the Syrian Arab Republic, born September 11, 1965
• Farouk AL-SHARA – Vice President, born 1938
• Mohammad Ibrahim AL-SHAAR – Minister of the Interior, born 1950
• Mohammed Dib ZAITOUN – Director of Political Security Directorate, born circa 1952

April 29, 2011 – The President has signed an Executive Order Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria. Excutive Order – Syria Sanctions

Blocking of transactions with certain persons and prohibiting the export of certain goods to Syria. Several banks have been designated and banned by OFAC, including there worldwide branches. OFAC Sanction

July 13, 2008 OFAC Adds Syria Mobile Phone Operator and Duty Free Stores to SDN List

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added Syriatel, Syria’s largest mobile phone operator, and Ramak, a chain of duty free stores in Syria, to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List).

According to Treasury, these companies were added to the SDN List because they are least 50% owned by Rami Makhluf, a cousin of Syrian president Bashar al-Asad, who is well connected to the Syrian Government. Makhluf was designated by OFAC on February 21, 2008 pursuant to Executive Order 13460, which targets individuals and entities determined to have contributed to, or to have benefited from, the public corruption of senior officials of the Syrian regime.

February 21, 2008 – OFAC Issues First Syrian Designation Under Executive Order 13460

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets (OFAC) control today issued the first designation pursuant to Executive Order 13460, which was issued on February 13, 2008.

The individual designated by OFAC is Rami Makhluf, Syrian President Bashar al-Asad’s first cousin and brother of Syrian General Intelligence Directorate official Hafiz Makhluf (who already appears on OFAC’s SDN List). According to OFAC, Makhluf is a powerful Syrian businessman who amassed his commercial empire by exploiting his relationships with Syrian regime members. Makhluf has manipulated the Syrian judicial system and used Syrian intelligence officials to intimidate his business rivals. He employed these techniques when trying to acquire exclusive licenses to represent foreign companies in Syria and to obtain contract awards.

Makhluf’s influence with certain Syrian government officials has led to his being able to control the issuance of certain types of profitable commodities contracts. His close business associations with some Syrian cabinet ministers have enabled him to gain access to lucrative oil exploration and power plant projects.

Makhluf is said to have a controlling interest in SyriaTel, Syria’s largest mobile phone company.

E.O. 13460 targets individuals and entities determined to be responsible for or who have benefited from the public corruption of senior officials of the Syrian regime.

Pursuant to E.O. 13460, any assets that Makhluf holds under U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in business or transactions with Makhluf.

OFAC Press Release -Rami Makhluf Designated for Benefiting from Syrian Corruption

February 15, 2008 Executive Order 13460 – Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection with the National Emergency With Respect to Syria Executive Order 13460

FinCen

April 15, 2013 – Advisory to Financial Institutions on Recent Events in Syria

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing this Advisory to remind U.S. financial institutions to take reasonable, risk-based steps with respect to the potential movement of assets that may be related to the current unrest in Syria.

Financial institutions should take into account ongoing events in Syria when assessing risks related to particular customers, accounts and transactions. On July 8, 2011, FinCEN issued an advisory regarding the possible flight of assets of certain individuals and entities believed to be associated with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.1 Considering the prolonged unrest in Syria, FinCEN is providing additional advice to financial institutions on the risks and reporting requirements associated with these types of transactions.

FinCen Guidance

August 10, 2011 – Guidance to Financial Institutions on the Commercial Bank of Syria – FinCEN Advisory–FIN-2011-A013

In coordination with OFAC’s designation of the Commercial Bank of Syria for its provision of financial services to entities previously sanctioned by the United States for their proliferation activities, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing this Advisory today to alert U.S. financial institutions of information on the Commercial Bank of Syria’s continued involvement in illicit financial activities.

July 08, 2011 – Guidance to Financial Institutions on Recent Events in Syria – The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is issuing this Advisory to U.S. financial institutions to take reasonable risk-based steps with respect to the potential increased movement of assets that may be related to the current unrest in Syria. During this period of uncertainty, FinCEN is issuing this Advisory to remind U.S. financial institutions of their requirement to apply enhanced scrutiny for private banking accounts held by or on behalf of senior foreign political figures and to monitor transactions that could potentially represent misappropriated or diverted state assets, proceeds of bribery or other illegal payments, or other public corruption proceeds. FinCen Guidance

February 17, 2011 – DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 31 CFR Part 103 RIN 1506–AA64 Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; Amendment to the Bank Secrecy Act – Final rule.

Designation of the Commercial Bank of Syria (Includes Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank) – FinCen Sanction

ITAR

ITAR Based sanctions, see chapter on ITAR for more detailed information

• October 29, 1991 – 56 FR 55630

BIS – EAR

October 03, 2012 – US indicts 164 Companies and Individuals Involved in Russian Military Procurement Network and adds them to BIS Entity List

As a result of an investigation involving an alleged Russian military procurement network, the U.S. Department of Justice announced today that it had unsealed an indictment against two companies and 11 individuals located in the U.S. and Russia and executed a number of search warrants at various residences, businesses and banks in the U.S.

This (BIS) rule amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by adding one hundred and sixty-four persons under one hundred and sixty-five entries to the Entity List. The persons who are added to the Entity List have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. These persons will be listed on the Entity List under twelve destinations. These additions to the Entity List consist of one person under Belize; thirteen persons under Canada; two persons under Cyprus; one person under Estonia; eleven persons under Finland; five persons under Germany; one person under Greece; two persons under Hong Kong; one person under Kazakhstan; one hundred and nineteen persons under Russia; two persons under Sweden; and seven persons under the United Kingdom, including six persons located in the British Virgin Islands.

BIS-EAR Addition Final Rule

December 16, 2011 – This jurisdiction contains Individuals or Entities which are listed by US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) – EAR. The listed entities may have the status of “Presumption of denial” and are effectively barred from dealing in US-origin items or entities may have the self-explaining status of “case-by-case”.

The detailed Entity List can be found at BIS-EAR Entity List

December 12, 2011 – Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security – In this rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by moving the substantive provisions of the comprehensive sanctions on Syria from General Order No. 2 in Supplement No. 1 to part 736 to a revised § 746.9. This rule also includes conforming changes to the EAR. This rule will facilitate compliance with the comprehensive sanctions on Syria. – This rule is effective December 12, 2011.

Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2011 / Rules and Regulations

August 18, 2009 – BIS requires a license for the export or reexport to Syria of all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), except food and medicines not on the Commerce Control List (CCL). Pursuant to the waiver authority exercised by the President in Executive Order 13338, BIS may consider several categories of items on a case-by-case basis including medicines on the CCL and medical devices; parts and components intended to ensure the safety of civil aviation and the safe operation of commercial passenger aircraft; and telecommunications equipment and associated computers, technology, and software. License applications for other exports and reexports to Syria are subject to a general policy of denial.

FATF Warning List

February 22, 2013 – The FATF is not yet satisfied that Syria has made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. Syria has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies and has not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies or has not committed to an action plan developed with the FATF to address the deficiencies. The FATF calls on its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with Syria.

Note: Strategic Deficiencies Require Enhanced Due Diligence

The FATF calls on Syria to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed timeframes. The FATF will closely monitor the implementation of these action plans and encourages its members to consider the information presented in the link.

October 19, 2012 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Syria) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Syria) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – October 19, 2012

June 22, 2012 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Syria) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Syria) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – June 22, 2012

February 16, 2012 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Syria) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Syria) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – February 16, 2012

28 October 2011 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Syria) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Syria) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – October 28, 2011

US FinCen – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List

November 15, 2011 – FinCen adopted the Financial Action Task Force Public Statement on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Risks and FinCen provided guidance on the subject. More detailed information FIN-2011-A014 and FIN-2011-A015

Singapore MAS – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List

On 28 Oct 2011, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), of which Singapore is a member, issued an updated statement that highlighted the strategic deficiencies in the anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes of Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe, in addition to the previously announced regimes of Bolivia, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Syria and Turkey. The text of the FATF statement can be found at: FATF Statement

Financial institutions are advised to accord due consideration to the above FATF statement and take the appropriate action(s) as recommended by the FATF with respect to the named jurisdictions.

Separately, FATF has issued an updated statement on its on-going process to improve global AML/CFT compliance. This statement provides information on a list of jurisdictions that have committed to action plans to address and strengthen their respective AML/CFT deficiencies. The second FATF statement can be found at: FATF Statement

June 24, 2011 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Syria) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Syria) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – June 24, 2011

US FinCen – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List

July 13, 2011 – FinCen adopted the Financial Action Task Force Public Statement on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Risks and FinCen provided guidance on the subject. More detailed information FIN-2011-A011 and FIN-2011-A012

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