The EU has imposed sanctions on Syrian foreign minister Faisal Mekdad for his role in the “violent repression” of civilians under the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
Mr Mekdad was named as the country’s foreign minister last November after the death of his predecessor Walid Al Moalem.
The EU sanctions will freeze Mr Mekdad’s assets in the EU and prevent him from travelling to Europe.
The decision brings to 289 the total number of Syrian officials on the EU blacklist.
“The sanctions currently in place against the Syrian regime were introduced in 2011, in response to the violent repression of the Syrian civilian population,” the EU said in a statement.
Brussels began slapping sanctions on the Syrian authorities in 2011 over the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
The war that has torn apart the country has now killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions.
“Companies and prominent business people who benefit from their ties with the regime and from the war economy are also subject to sanctions,” the EU said.
Further sanctions imposed by the EU on the Syrian regime include a ban on oil imports, a freezing of assets held by Syria’s central bank in the EU and export restrictions on equipment and technology.
Mr Mekdad was Mr Moalem’s deputy and, like his boss, he championed the crushing of peaceful protests against the regime, which started in 2011 in the southern province of Deraa.
Mr Mekdad was also the country’s representative at the UN in New York.
He rose in the regime’s ranks before his appointment as foreign minister last year.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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