147In that regard, first of all, it should be borne in mind that, as is apparent from the preamble to Decision 2011/273, the Council initiated restrictive measures against a third country, namely Syria, in response to the violent repression by the authorities of that country against the civilian population. The same concern underlies the contested acts, which follow directly from Decision 2011/273. Next, it should be stated that, although the restrictive measures at issue were aimed only at those in charge of the Syrian regime, and not also the persons supporting that regime, the attainment of the objectives pursued by the Council could have been frustrated, as those in charge of the regime could easily obtain the support, in particular the financial support, which they needed in order to continue that repression, through other persons holding senior managerial posts within the principal institutions of the Syrian State. Last, it is necessary to take into account the importance for the European Union of the objective of maintaining peace and international security and also of protecting the civilian population.
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