    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 7, 2008]
    [Pages 652-653]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress on Continuation of the National Emergency
    Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of
    Certain Goods to Syria
    May 7, 2008

    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 to the
    Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice, stating that the
    national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004,
    and expanded in scope in Executive Order 13399 of April 25, 2006, and
    Executive Order 13460 of February 13, 2008, authorizing the blocking of
    property of certain persons and prohibiting the exportation and re-
    exportation of certain goods to Syria, is to continue in effect beyond
    May 11, 2008.
        The actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism,
    interfering in Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile
    programs including the recent revelation of illicit nuclear cooperation
    with North Korea, and undermining U.S. and international efforts with
    respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq 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 in effect the national
    emergency declared with respect to this threat and to maintain in force
    the sanctions I have ordered to address this national emergency.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     May 7, 2008.

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

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