The European Union extended its sanctions on Syria on Monday, putting 17 government ministers and the country's central bank chief under travel bans and asset freezes as part of its strategy to punish President Bashar al-Assad.
"This decision brings to 234 the total number of persons subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze for the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria," the EU said in a statement.
"In addition, 69 entities are targeted by an asset freeze."