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Notice 13338NoticeTrump 45 · R Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 13338

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

This notice continues 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 related orders. The continuation is based on ongoing findings that Syria's regime poses an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy through its support for terrorism, weapons programs, and human rights abuses.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 21909

Impact dates

  1. Continued national emergency expires unless extended again

  2. Prior emergency expiration date; continuation takes effect

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency declared May 11, 2004 for 1 year beyond May 11, 2017
  • Maintain all measures adopted in Executive Orders 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, 2017
  • Existing sanctions and blocking authorities remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Annual review and potential congressional oversight of continued emergency

Long term

  • Emergency subject to potential termination based on changes in Syrian government composition, policies, and actions
  • Continued sanctions regime until policy conditions are met

Risks & tensions

  • Perpetual emergency status since 2004 raises questions about indefinite sanctions without congressional authorization
  • Vague conditions for termination ('consider changes') provide wide executive discretion
  • Humanitarian assistance delivery hindered by sanctions regime despite rhetorical support
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders