EU to tighten arms embargo on Syria

BRUSSELS – The European Union foreign chief says the escalating bloodshed in Syria was sparking concerns that the conflict may spill over into neighboring countries.

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to endorse a plan Monday that would enforce the existing arms embargo by asking the member nations to board ships and aircraft carrying suspicious cargo to the war-torn nation.

The inspections will only take place on the territory or in the territorial waters of EU states.
The EU banned weapons exports to Syria in May, 2011. But until now, the 28 member nations had the right to decide whether or not to inspect cargos believed to be in breach of the embargo. – AP