EU warns Syria of further sanctions, calls on Russia, Iran to act

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is welcomed by European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini ahead of a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is welcomed by European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini ahead of a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday.   | Photo Credit: Reuters

The European Union on Saturday called for Russia and Iran to help stop more chemical weapons attacks by the Syrian government, warning of fresh economic sanctions.

“The EU calls upon all countries, notably Russia and Iran, to use their influence to prevent any further use of chemical weapons, notably by the Syrian regime,” the EU said in a statement.

It said the EU had imposed Syrian sanctions in July 2017 and March this year and was “always ready to consider imposing further measures as appropriate”.