The European Union on Friday decided to add 20 new names to the list of Syrians targeted by asset freeze and travel ban.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad could face economic woes if the EU santions oil imports from Syria. [sohu.com]?

"Today, the European Union has reached political agreement on the addition of 20 Syrian individuals or entities to the list of those targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban," the EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said in a statement.

It is also preparing new restrictive measures including an embargo on the import of Syrian crude oil.

Moreover, the EU would soon suspend the technical assistance of the European Investment Bank and impose an asset freeze and travel ban on those benefiting from or supporting the Syrian government policies.

The new measures will be examined by EU foreign ministers "early next week," said Ashton.

The EU and some of its members increased pressures on the Syrian government recently. The latest measure went further on existing asset freezes and travel bans against 35 people and four businesses, as well as an arms embargo.