The Swiss department of foreign affairs says it backs European Union sanctions imposed against the Syrian regime 10 days ago.

The federal government says it will officially sign an embargo on the shipping of military goods to the country in the Middle East, although it hasn’t exported military equipment to Syria for at least 10 years.

Bern will also impose financial sanctions and a travel ban on 13 key players in the Syrian regime.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs is calling for individuals or institutions with knowledge of Syrian funds in Switzerland that fall under the criteria for freezing to declare them without delay.

Both EU and Swiss leaders have yet to make a firm decision on whether they will block funds linked to President Bashar al-Assad should they be found.

The EU took action against Damascus on May 9 following a violent crackdown on Syrian protesters by security forces.