European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday new sanctions against Syria, including a freeze on assets of the country's central bank and ban on cargo flights into the EU.
Other "restrictive measures" include an assets freeze and travel ban on seven ministers close to President Bashar al-Assad and restrictions on trade in gold, precious metals and diamonds.
Cargo flights operated by Syrian carriers will not have access to the EU, but will be cleared clear if they are carrying passengers.
The EU said it acted because of the "Syrian regime's continued use of violence against civilians." The move came a day after the Syrian government held a national referendum on a new constitution, amid continuing violence. The opposition rejected the ballot as a farce and demanded President Assad step down.
EU ministers also recognized the main opposition umbrella group, the Syrian National Council (SNC), as "a legitimate representative of Syrians seeking peaceful democratic change," the 27-nation bloc sad in a satatement.
"Today's decisions will put further pressure on those who are responsible for the ruthless campaign of repression in Syria," EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.
"The measures target the regime and its ability to conduct the appalling violence against civilians. As long as the repression continues, the EU will keep imposing sanctions," she said.
Existing EU sanctions include a oil and arms embargo and a ban on new investment in the Syrian petroleum sector.
So far, Western sanctions has failed to stop a 11-month government suppression of dissent that has left more than 7,000 people dead, according to Syrian rights groups.
