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US Extends National Emergency Regarding Syria, Leaves Sanctions in Place - WH

© AP Photo / Carolyn KasterAs seen from a window outside the Oval Office, President Donald Trump gives a prime-time address about border security Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2018, at the White House in Washington
As seen from a window outside the Oval Office, President Donald Trump gives a prime-time address about border security Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2018, at the White House in Washington - Sputnik International
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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump continued on Wednesday the national emergency with respect to Syria for an additional year leaving sanctions against Damascus in place, the White House said in a notice on Wednesday.

"The Syrian regime's actions and policies, including with respect to chemical weapons, supporting terrorist organizations, and obstructing the Lebanese government's ability to function effectively, continue to foster the rise of extremism and sectarianism and pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," the notice said.

"Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria."    

On 11 May 2004, then US President George W.Bush issued Executive Order 13338 declaring a national emergency with respect to the actions of the Syrian government, and imposing sanctions on individuals and entities.

READ MORE: US Pullout From At Tanf in Syria to Be Conditions-Based, Senior Official Says

Executive Order 13338 authorized the freezing of certain individuals' property and prohibited the exportation or re-exportation of certain goods to Syria.

Trump called on the Assad regime to stop its "violence against the Syrian people" and allow a political transition in Syria that "will forge a credible path to a future of greater freedom, democracy, opportunity, and justice."    

White House in Washington, DC, - Sputnik International
Trump Backs New Bill to Boost Sanctions, Pressure on Assad - White House
Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting against numerous opposition groups and terrorist organizations. 

US officials have repeatedly called for Assad to resign, and Washington has supported a variety of militant groups that have fought to topple his government.       

READ MORE: At Least 70 Civilians Killed as US Coalition Pounds Syrian Village — Reports

The US-led coalition of more than 70 countries has been conducting airstrikes on Daesh* positions since 2014, in a mission that was not authorised by the Syrian government nor the UN Security Council.

Syrian media have repeatedly reported on US-led coalition strikes, which have led to countless civilian casualties and damage to crucial infrastructure in the Arab Republic.        

*Daesh (ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) and Al-Qaeda are terrorist groups banned in US, Russia and many other countries.

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