[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)] [March 12, 2003] [Page 261] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]Message to the Congress on Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Iran March 12, 2003 To the Congress of the United States: Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that the Iran emergency is to continue in effect beyond March 15, 2003, to the Federal Register for publication. The most recent notice continuing this emergency was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2002 (67 FR 11553). The crisis between the United States and Iran constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including its support for international terrorism, efforts to undermine Middle East peace, and acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them, that led to the declaration of a national emergency on March 15, 1995, has not been resolved. These actions and policies are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared with respect to Iran and maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat. George W. Bush The White House, March 12, 2003. Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on March 13. The notice of March 12 is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.