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, maintaining sanctions and export restrictions under Executive Order 13338 and subsequent orders. It cites ongoing Syrian regime actions including chemical weapons use, support for terrorism, and human rights abuses as justification for the extension.

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, 2020
  • Maintain all measures adopted under 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, 2020
  • Sanctions and blocking authorities under EO 13338 and subsequent orders remain active

Near term (90d)

Long term

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

Risks & tensions

  • Tension between sanctions pressure and humanitarian access goals mentioned in same document
  • Russia and Iran explicitly named as 'enablers,' escalating diplomatic framing
  • Vague standard for future termination ('consider changes in composition, policies, and actions') creates uncertainty for compliance planning
Presidential Notice 13338: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Actions of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders