ExecutiveOrdersEO
NoticeNoticeObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Notice

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

President Obama continued for one year the national emergency with respect to Syria originally declared in 2004 under Executive Order 13338, maintaining sanctions including property blocking and export restrictions. The notice extends the emergency authority and related measures through May 11, 2017, citing ongoing threats from the Assad regime's support for terrorism, weapons programs, regional destabilization, and human rights abuses.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 27293

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless extended again

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency with respect to Syria for 1 year beyond May 11, 2016
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress
  • Maintain blocking of property and export prohibitions authorized in E.O. 13338 and subsequent orders

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect beyond May 11, 2016
  • Sanctions under E.O. 13338 and subsequent orders remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication and congressional transmission
  • Ongoing enforcement of blocking and export restrictions

Long term

  • Emergency subject to annual review for continuation or termination
  • Potential policy reassessment based on Syrian government changes

Risks & tensions

  • Routine annual extension without policy change may limit diplomatic leverage
  • Humanitarian access tensions: sanctions maintenance vs. calls for humanitarian assistance delivery
  • Cessation of Hostilities referenced was already fragile at time of notice
Presidential Notice: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders