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NoticeNoticeObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Notice

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

President Obama extended for one year the national emergency declared in 2004 regarding Syria's actions, maintaining sanctions including blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting certain exports to Syria. The notice cites ongoing threats from Syria's support for terrorism, weapons programs, regional instability, and human rights abuses.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 26815

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless extended again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency declared May 11, 2004 for 1 year beyond May 11, 2015
  • Maintain all measures adopted in E.O. 13338, 13399, 13460, 13572, 13573, 13582, 13606, and 13608
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect beyond May 11, 2015
  • Sanctions under E.O. 13338 and subsequent orders 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

  • Perpetual emergency status normalizes long-term sanctions without congressional reauthorization
  • Vague standard for termination ('consider changes') provides broad executive discretion
  • Humanitarian impact on Syrian civilians from sustained economic measures
Presidential Notice: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders