Notice 13159NoticeObama · D

Presidential Notice 13159

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Useable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation

In simple terms

President Obama continued for one year a national emergency originally declared in 2000 that blocks Russian government assets in the U.S. related to the Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Agreements, which convert weapons-grade uranium to peaceful commercial fuel. The continuation protects Russian property from U.S. judicial processes to ensure continued implementation of the nuclear nonproliferation agreement.

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 76 FR 35955

  3. National emergency continuation expires unless extended

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency for 1 year beyond June 21, 2011
  • Maintain blocking of Russian government property related to HEU Agreements
  • Protect Russian property from attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

  • Continuation of asset blocking and judicial protection takes effect upon publication

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • HEU Agreements implementation continues through June 21, 2012 unless further extended

Risks & tensions

  • Annual continuation mechanism creates procedural vulnerability if future extension lapses
  • U.S.-Russia nuclear cooperation depends on sustained sanctions shield from U.S. courts
Presidential Notice 13159: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Useable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation · Executive Orders