Switzerland extends sanctions against Iran

Geneva, April 18 (Xinhua-ANI): The Swiss government on Wednesday announced its decision to extend its financial sanctions against Iran.

The ordinance amendment stipulating the new financial sanctions has already come into effect on Tuesday.

This move, according to a government statement, "brings Switzerland largely in line with the restrictive measures adopted by the EU on Jan. 23, 2012."

Financial sanctions will be imposed on another eight Iranian companies and three individuals. The funds and other assets owned by these companies and individuals will be frozen.

Furthermore, new sanctions put a ban on supplying these companies and individuals with funds or other assets either directly or indirectly. An exception was made for the Iranian Central Bank, upon which sanctions have not been imposed, due to its importance for the Iranian economy.

On Jan. 23, the EU decided to intensify sanctions against Iran in a range of areas.

Financial sanctions were extended immediately, although other restrictive measures, such as a ban on the import, purchase or shipping of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemical products, were not imposed until March 24, when the corresponding EU Regulation was published.

The Swiss government said it will decide at a later date whether or not to adopt these further restrictive measures. (Xinhua-ANI)