[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 31 (Monday, August 7, 2000)]
[Page 1728]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Continuation of the National 
Emergency With Respect to Iraq

July 28, 2000

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    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 Iraqi emergency is to continue in 
effect beyond August 2, 2000, to the  Federal Register  for publication.
    The crisis between the United States and Iraq that led to the 
declaration on August 2, 1990, of a national emergency has not been 
resolved. The Government of Iraq continues to engage in activities 
inimical to stability in the Middle East and hostile to United States 
interests in the region. Such Iraqi actions pose a continuing unusual 
and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of 
the United States. For these reasons, I have determined that it is 
necessary to maintain in force the broad authorities necessary to apply 
economic pressure on the Government of Iraq.
     Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

 Note:  Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.