- Information
- News Releases
- Back Issues
- July 2012
- Addition of Individuals Subject to Asset-Freezing and Other Measures on Syrian Government Officials and Associates, and Decision on Banning the Entry into Japan of Charter Flights Operated by Airlines with Syrian Nationality
Joint Press Release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and IndustryAddition of Individuals Subject to Asset-Freezing and Other Measures on Syrian Government Officials and Associates, and Decision on Banning the Entry into Japan of Charter Flights Operated by Airlines with Syrian Nationality
The Government of Japan has implemented sanctions, including asset-freezing measures, on Syrian President Al-Assad Bashar and his associates in order to contribute to international efforts for global peace.
In consideration of the current international situation concerning the Syrian Arab Republic, the government is striving to contribute to international efforts to resolve the situation for the sake of international peace, and on July 6, under Cabinet approval, it decided to add three individuals to the list of those subject to asset-freezing and other sanctions in accordance with the measures that major countries have decided to take. The government also decided not to allow charter flights operated by airlines with Syrian nationality to enter Japan.
In addition, the Government of Japan has in principle banned the exporting and importing of arms to and from Syria as well as other countries, and has already imposed an arms embargo on Syria. The government will continue to impose such embargo on Syria.
Furthermore, the Government of Japan has been conducting strict visa screening for entities subject to asset-freezing and other measures, and such strict screening will be applied to the checking of the three individuals who have been newly designated in the list today.
The Government of Japan will take the following additional measures from July 6:
1. Details of asset-freezing and other measures
Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"), the Government of Japan will impose, from July 6, the following measures on Syrian President Al-Assad Bashar and the individuals designated as being associated with him by the notification of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (promulgated on July 6).
(1) Payment restrictions
By obliging acquisition of prior approval from the Government of Japan for payment to any of the individuals designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' notification, payments to them shall be restricted.
(2) Restrictions on capital transactions
By obliging acquisition of prior approval from the Government of Japan for capital transactions with any of the individuals designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' notification, capital transactions with them shall be restricted.
(3) Individuals subject to the measures
See the Appendix(PDF:242KB) 
(in Japanese).
Note: After this addition, "Syrian President Al-Assad Bashar and his associates" subject to this measure will comprise 23 individuals and 16 entities in total.
2. Banning charter flights operated by airlines with Syrian nationality from entering Japan
The Government of Japan shall not allow charter flights operated by airlines with Syrian nationality to enter Japan.
3. Stricter visa processing
If any individuals subject to the asset-freezing and other measures described in item 1 (3) above apply for a visa, strict visa screening shall be conducted for individual applicants.
Note: The Government of Japan has been conducting strict visa screening for each entity and individual subject to asset-freezing and other measures so far, and will continue to do so.
Reference
Arms embargo: The Government of Japan has in principle banned the exporting and importing of arms to and from Syria as well as other countries, and has already imposed an arms embargo on Syria. The government will continue to impose such embargo on Syria.
Release Date
July 6, 2012
Division in Charge
- First Middle East Division, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legal Office, Research Division, International Bureau, Ministry of Finance
- Trade Control Policy Division, Trade Control Department, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry