For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 11, 2004
Statement by the President
Today, I have signed an Executive Order implementing sanctions on
Syria pursuant to the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty
Restoration Act of 2003. These sanctions will significantly reduce the
level of trade and commercial activity between our two countries, and
in particular target entities and officials in or closely associated
with the Syrian government who have engaged in actions of concern
specified in the Act.
Since 1979, the United States has designated Syria a State Sponsor
of Terrorism due to its support for groups such as Hizballah and
Palestinian terrorist organizations. In 2003, Congress passed the SAA
because of Syria's continued support for terrorism, pursuit of weapons
of mass destruction, occupation of Lebanon, and actions undermining
U.S. and international efforts with respect to Iraq. Based on Syria's
failure to take significant, concrete steps to address the concerns we
have raised, I have determined that further economic sanctions be
imposed.
The Syrian government must understand that its conduct alone will
determine the duration of the sanctions, and the extent to which
additional sanctions may be imposed should the Syrian government fail
to adopt a more constructive approach to relations with its neighbors,
weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism.
If the Syrian government demonstrates a genuine intention to seek
true peace by confronting terror and violence, ending its pursuit and
development of weapons of mass destruction, and respecting the
sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, the United States will respond
positively.
Similarly, I urge the Syrian government to offer its full support
to the goal of a stable and sovereign Iraq, beginning with redoubled
efforts along the border to prevent the movement of foreign fighters
into Iraq. The Syrian government has taken some steps in this regard,
but must do more, given that individuals bent on sowing terror continue
to cross into Iraq from Syria. Additionally, it is time for the Syrian
government to comply with its obligations under UN Security Council
resolution 1483 and immediately transfer assets belonging to the former
Iraqi regime to the Development Fund for Iraq.
This is a momentous time in the Middle East. I call upon the
Syrian government to join the ranks of those nations that have
committed themselves to political and economic reform, a decision that
would benefit -- first and foremost -- the people of Syria. I
sincerely hope that the Syrian government will conclude that its
interests are best served by joining efforts to build a Middle East
that is stable, secure, and free from terror and violence.
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