ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 13159NoticeObama · D

Presidential Notice 13159

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Useable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation

President Obama continued for one year a national emergency originally declared in 2000 that blocks Russian government assets in the U.S. related to the Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) Agreements, which convert weapons-grade uranium to peaceful commercial fuel. The continuation protects Russian property from U.S. judicial processes to ensure continued implementation of the nuclear nonproliferation agreement.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 35955

Impact dates

  1. National emergency continuation expires unless extended

Key directives

  • Continue national emergency for 1 year beyond June 21, 2011
  • Maintain blocking of Russian government property related to HEU Agreements
  • Protect Russian property from attachment, judgment, decree, lien, execution, garnishment, or other judicial process
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • Continuation of asset blocking and judicial protection takes effect upon publication

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • HEU Agreements implementation continues through June 21, 2012 unless further extended

Risks & tensions

  • Annual continuation mechanism creates procedural vulnerability if future extension lapses
  • U.S.-Russia nuclear cooperation depends on sustained sanctions shield from U.S. courts
Presidential Notice 13159: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Created by the Accumulation of Weapons-Useable Fissile Material in the Territory of the Russian Federation · Executive Orders