EU to consider fresh sanctions on Syria – report

The EU will look into imposing fresh sanctions on Syria over the development and use of chemical arms, Reuters said, citing a draft statement by the bloc’s foreign ministers. They meet on Monday to discuss Syria amid the prospect of Western military action after a suspected chemical attack on April 7. Diplomats and officials in Brussels said the ministers' draft statement was prepared in advance, and it could change over the weekend depending on developments. Currently, it refers to the EU's existing sanctions on Syria, which blacklist 257 people for “violent repression” of civilians, as well as for benefiting from or supporting the government. Nearly 70 entities have also had their EU assets frozen. The ministers are also expected to reiterate the EU will not pay “for rebuilding Syria without political dialogue between Damascus and the opposition.”