ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 13338NoticeObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Notice 13338

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

President Obama extended for one year the national emergency declared in 2004 regarding Syria's support for terrorism, weapons programs, and destabilizing regional actions. The continuation maintains sanctions authorities including property blocking and export restrictions originally established under Executive Order 13338 and subsequently expanded.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 27301

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, 2013
  • Maintain all measures adopted in EO 13338, EO 13399, EO 13460, EO 13572, EO 13573, EO 13582, EO 13606, and EO 13608
  • Publish notice in Federal Register
  • Transmit notice to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency and all associated sanctions authorities continue in effect beyond May 11, 2013

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

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

Risks & tensions

  • Document condemns Assad regime while maintaining sanctions that also affect Syrian civilian population
  • Chemical/biological weapons concern cited but no specific new enforcement mechanism
  • Political transition language suggests potential for future policy shift if regime changes
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders