[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 20 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Page 865]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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 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.