Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1498 of 20 July 2023 implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1498of 20 July 2023implementing Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in SyriaTHE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 of 18 January 2012 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria and repealing Regulation (EU) No 442/2011OJ L 16, 19.1.2012, p. 1., and in particular Article 32(1) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Whereas:(1)On 18 January 2012, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.(2)The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in Syria. After more than a decade, the conflict in Syria is far from over and remains a source of suffering and instability.(3)The Council notes that the Syrian regime continues to pursue its policy of repression. The Council considers it necessary to maintain and ensure the effectiveness of the restrictive measures in place by further developing them while maintaining their targeted and differentiated approach and bearing in mind the humanitarian conditions of the Syrian population. The Council considers that certain categories of persons and entities are of particular relevance for the effectiveness of those restrictive measures, given the specific context prevailing in Syria.(4)The Council has assessed that Iran provides military support to the Syrian regime. In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council considers that one person involved in the development and delivery of air defence systems to Syria should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities or bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 36/2012.(5)Regulation (EU) No 36/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: