Biden extends national emergency on Syria another year
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. President Joe Biden extended on Wednesday the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of the Syrian government for another year.
“I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared with respect to the actions of the Government of Syria,” Biden said in a notice released by the White House.
The national emergency was first issued on May 11, 2004, by then-U.S. President George W. Bush due to “the actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, continuing its occupation of Lebanon, pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and undermining United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq.”
The White House pointed out “Syrian regime’s actions and policies, including with respect to chemical weapons and supporting terrorist organizations, continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”
The U.S. condemns “the brutal violence and human rights violations and abuses of the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian enablers,” the notice added.
Additionally, the U.S. called on the Syrian government to establish a nationwide ceasefire, facilitate access to aid to all Syrians in need and settle for a political solution in Syria in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254.
Meanwhile, Biden emphasized that the U.S. might continue or terminate the national emergency in the future based on changes in the policies and actions of the Syrian government.