EU implemented new sanctions against Syria

The European Union imposed visa bans and asset freezes on Monday against three new individuals associated with the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The measure brings to 128 the number of Assad's supporters targeted by the bloc, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Michael Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, said two Syrian entities were also added to the boycott list. This now includes 43 Syrian companies, banks, and other organizations.

The new measures, the 15th round of EU sanctions against Assad's regime and its supporters, were adopted at a meeting of EU foreign ministers. The bloc will release the names of the individuals and entities involved on Tuesday, Mann said.