BRUSSELS — The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on four Russians blamed for a nerve agent attack in Britain as well as a Syrian research center and its staff as the 28-nation bloc stepped up its action against the use of chemical weapons. EU foreign ministers slapped travel bans and asset freezes on nine people and on Syria’s Scientific Studies and Research Center. Five of those targeted are linked to the Syrian center’s activities. The ministers said in a statement from their meeting in Brussels that the sanctions move “contributes to the EU’s efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, which poses a serious threat to international security.”It’s the first time the EU has imposed sanctions to combat chemical weapons. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: Washington Post January 21, 2019 12:17 UTC