Swiss freeze more Iranian assets

[April 18, 2012]  GENEVA (AP) -- The Swiss government says it has extended financial sanctions against Iran by freezing assets of 11 more companies and people.

The Swiss Cabinet said Wednesday the move against an additional eight companies and three individuals was carried out a day earlier and "brings Switzerland largely in line with the restrictive measures" the European Union adopted in January.

The Swiss government has previously frozen Iranian accounts in Switzerland because of U.N. sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program.

Swiss banks have repeatedly been accused of allowing firms and individuals close to the Iranian government to conduct business through Swiss accounts.

Swiss officials say they will decide later whether to ban imports of Iranian oil.

[Associated Press]

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