ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13573Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13573

Blocking Property of Senior Officials of the Government of Syria

Defense & SecurityDefense & SecurityEconomy & LaborEconomy & LaborDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

This executive order freezes all U.S.-based assets of senior Syrian government officials and entities, prohibiting any transactions with them. It expands existing sanctions against Syria in response to escalating violence against protesters and repression of democratic change.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 29143

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 76 FR 29143

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Order effective at 1:00 p.m. eastern daylight time

Key directives

  • Block all property and interests in property of listed persons and designated senior Syrian officials
  • Prohibit donations of articles specified in IEEPA section 203(b)(2)
  • Prohibit contributions or provision of funds, goods, or services to or from blocked persons
  • Authorize Treasury Secretary to promulgate rules and regulations
  • Authorize Treasury Secretary to determine delisting of Annex persons
  • Direct all U.S. government agencies to take appropriate measures to carry out order

Who is ordered

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

  • Asset blocking effective at 1:00 p.m. EDT on May 18, 2011
  • No prior notice required for listings
  • Prohibitions on transfers, payments, exports, withdrawals

Near term (90d)

  • Treasury/State Department designations of additional persons under Section 1(b)
  • Potential promulgation of implementing regulations

Long term

  • Ongoing sanctions enforcement and compliance
  • Potential delisting determinations under Section 9
  • Integration with broader Syria sanctions regime

Risks & tensions

  • No prior notice requirement (Section 7) raises due process concerns for designated persons
  • Broad delegation to Treasury Secretary with State consultation creates interagency dynamics
  • Vague 'senior official' standard in Section 1(b)(i) leaves designation discretion wide
  • Annex persons not visible in provided text—scope of immediate impact unclear
Executive Order 13573: Blocking Property of Senior Officials of the Government of Syria · Executive Orders