EU Slaps Sanctions on Assad, Syria Slams Move as Meddling in Its Affairs

Europe tightened the noose on President Bashar al-Assad Monday, imposing sanctions on the Syrian leader for the first time while calling for quick Middle East peace talks as it responded to the Arab Spring.

Long reluctant to target the Syrian leader directly, the European Union's decision to slap an assets freeze and travel ban on Assad is the latest in a string of measures against his regime, though the effects are unclear.

As Syrians buried their dead, with at least 900 people killed and thousands more arrested in pro-democracy protests, the 27-state bloc condemned "in the strongest terms the ongoing repression in Syria and the unacceptable violence."

"I think more will need to be done," said Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague. "We must not overstate the leverage of the international community on Syria.

"It does appear at the moment that the regime in Syria has decided to go down the path of repression, not reform, whatever international opinion may be."

Calling for an immediate halt to intimidation, mass arrests and torture, the ministers demanded the release of prisoners and access across the country for aid workers, medics and the press.

An EU statement also urged "without delay and through a concrete timetable, meaningful political reforms. This is the only way to initiate a peaceful transition and provide stability for Syria in the long term."

And in a final thrust, the ministers added the president, along with nine leading officials, to an earlier blacklist of 13. The sanctions will take effect from Tuesday.

Stepping up pressure on Assad to halt weeks of relentless violence, the EU earlier this month imposed an arms embargo and targeted the president's innermost circle, including his brother and four cousins.

Assad could have avoided the sanctions, said German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

"He continued to violently repress peaceful protests. This is why we must widen the sanctions, including against President Assad."

After also suspending development aid, the EU on Monday invited the European Investment Bank "to suspend" new financing operations in Syria.

Later Monday, Syria slammed the sanctions as tantamount to meddling in its internal affairs and seeking to destabilize the country.

"Syria denounces sanctions by the European Union against its people at a time when it is seeking to preserve its security and to implement a national dialogue as part of reforms," the state news agency SANA said.

"The EU decisions aim to interfere in Syria's internal affairs and to destabilize its security," it added.

SANA singled out Britain and France for criticism, accusing them of playing a key role in pushing through the sanctions.

"Britain and France, the two old colonial powers ... have played a key role in putting out these sanctions without any regard for security, the interest of the Syrian people or those in the region," it said.

"Syria confirms its determination to follow through with reforms while at the same time reaffirming its intention to make independent decisions and underlining its sovereignty," it added.