ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 13338NoticeObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 13338

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria

President Obama extended for one year the national emergency declared in 2004 regarding Syria's actions, maintaining sanctions and export restrictions authorized under Executive Order 13338 and subsequent orders. The notice cites ongoing Syrian regime brutality, support for terrorism, and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction as justifications for continuation.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 27559

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless extended again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency for 1 year beyond May 11, 2012
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect beyond May 11, 2012
  • Sanctions and blocking measures remain active

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Emergency subject to annual review; continuation depends on changes in Syrian government composition, policies, and actions

Risks & tensions

  • Annual renewal mechanism creates uncertainty for long-term compliance planning
  • Humanitarian impact of sustained sanctions on Syrian civilians not addressed
  • Conditionality language ('consider changes') leaves future termination criteria vague
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders