ExecutiveOrdersEO
Notice 13338NoticeObama · D

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 including blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting exports to Syria. The continuation is based on ongoing concerns about Syria's support for terrorism, use of chemical weapons, regional instability, and human rights abuses under the Assad regime.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 26589

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, 2014
  • Maintain all measures adopted under EO 13338 and subsequent related executive orders
  • Publish in Federal Register
  • Transmit to Congress

Timeline

Immediate

  • National emergency continues in effect beyond May 11, 2014
  • Existing sanctions under EO 13338 and related orders remain active

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication
  • Congressional transmission

Long term

  • Emergency subject to annual review; may continue or terminate based on changes in Syrian government composition, policies, and actions

Risks & tensions

  • Perpetual emergency status normalizes long-term sanctions without congressional reauthorization
  • Declaratory condemnation of Assad regime may complicate future diplomatic flexibility if regime composition changes
  • Vague criteria for termination ('consider changes') leaves discretion entirely with executive branch
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders