US Extends National Emergency With Regard to Syria Actions, Keeps Sanctions For One Year

The Trump administration is extending by one year the national emergency that had been declared 15 years ago due to the actions of the government in Syria, according to a May 8 press release from the White House. Sanctions will continue against certain Syrian people as will the ban of certain exports and re-exports to Syria. The notice said "the actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, maintaining its then-existing occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq" are a threat to U.S. national security. The emergency declaration had been in place since a 2004 executive order, and was set to expire May 11, according to the press release. "The United States will consider changes in the composition, policies, and actions of the Government of Syria in determining whether to continue or terminate this national emergency in the future,” Trump said in a statement.