Washington, Mar 6 (IANS): The US Monday slapped sanctions on Syria's General Organization of Radio and TV, the latest in its efforts to press the Syrian government to stop the violent crackdown on demonstrators, Xinhua reported.

The US Department of Treasury said in a statement that as a state-run agency under Syria's ministry of information, the organisation was responsible for operating Syria's state-owned TV channels -- two terrestrial and one satellite -- as well as government radio stations.

"By taking this action today (Monday), the treasury is sending a clear signal that it stands with the Syrian people. Any individuals or institutions supporting its abhorrent behavior will be targeted and cut off from the international financial system," said Adam Szubin, director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The move bars US citizens from doing business with the Syrian government, and freezes all of their assets under US jurisdiction.