    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 11, 2004]
    [Pages 852-853]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Executive Order Blocking Property of Certain
    Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to Syria
    May 11, 2004

        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 Hezbollah 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 U.N. 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.

    Note: The Executive order is listed in Appendix D at the end of this
    volume.

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