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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 extends for one year the national emergency declared in 2004 regarding Syria, maintaining sanctions and export restrictions under Executive Order 13338 and subsequent orders. The continuation cites ongoing Syrian government support for terrorism, chemical weapons use, repression of civilians, and regional destabilization as justifications.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 20537

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, 2019
  • Maintain all measures adopted in EO 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, 2019
  • Existing sanctions and blocking measures remain active

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Emergency subject to annual review for continuation or termination
  • Future determination depends on changes in Syrian government composition, policies, and actions

Risks & tensions

  • Annual renewal mechanism creates procedural regularity but no substantive policy change
  • Humanitarian access tensions: sanctions maintenance vs. call for humanitarian assistance delivery
  • Vague standard for termination ('consider changes') provides broad presidential discretion
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders