We fully support the decisions taken by the Arab League today which show the increasing isolation of the Syrian regime," a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton told AFP.
In a move angrily greeted by Syria, the League called for economic and political sanctions against Assad`s regime and talks with the Syrian opposition in just a few days.
In Cairo, the League said Syria`s suspension would last "until the total implementation of the Arab plan for resolving the crisis accepted by Damascus on November 2."
Under the deal, Assad`s regime agreed to release detainees, withdraw the army from urban areas, allow free movement for observers and media and negotiate with the opposition.
Instead, human rights groups say, the regime has intensified its crackdown, especially in Homs.
Ashton`s spokesman, Michael Mann, added: "We welcome the Arab League`s offer to end the violence and bring about the reforms that the Syrian people have bravely demanded over the last few months."
Diplomats have said the EU is readying a freeze on European Investment Bank credits to Syria as it mulls further sanctions on Assad`s regime after months of bloodshed.
A diplomatic source said the EIB would suspend new credits and freeze disbursement of outstanding credits while also halting technical assistance such as audits and feasibility studies.
A decision is expected at a meeting Monday of the bloc`s 27 foreign ministers.
The 27-nation bloc has already slapped seven rounds of sanctions against the Assad regime, including an arms embargo, a ban on imports of Syrian crude oil and on new investments and credits to the Syrian petrol sector.
It has ordered an assets freeze and travel ban on 56 people allegedly involved in the crackdown and frozen the funds of 19 companies and institutions. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
