Accompanying President Obama’s demand for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down was an executive order freezing all of the Syrian government’s assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in any transaction involving the government of Syria. Additionally, a ban has been placed on the U.S. import of Syrian origin of petroleum or petroleum products. Such actions will isolate Assad’s regime entirely from the US financial system.
To aid in the implementation of the executive order, the US government has identified five state-owned companies that are involved in Syria’s petroleum sector and they expect to discover more US companies financially involved with Syria over the coming weeks.
“We expect this new executive order will disrupt the Syrian regime’s ability to finance its campaign of violence against the Syrian people,” a Senior administration official stated.
Since protests began in March, the US has imposed sanctions against 32 Syrian and Iranian individuals and entities. Thursday, however, brought a newfound escalation of financial pressure on the Syrian government.
The U.S. call for Assad’s ouster is part of a growing international reaction. Statements from Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union (EU) also denounced Assad’s actions and explicitly asked for Assad to resign.
“Our aim has been to build a strong international effort in support of the universal rights of the Syrian people and to condemn and isolate the regime,” a Senior Administration official told reporters Thursday.
“We can’t predict how long this transition will take,” the Senior Administration official continued. “Nothing about it is likely to be easy but we’re certain that Assad is on his way out and international pressure will continue to build.”
Syrian Sanctions Will Freeze Assets, Block Oil Imports
Accompanying President Obama’s demand for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down was an executive order freezing all of the Syrian government’s assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in any transaction involving the government of Syria. Additionally, a ban has been placed on the U.S. import of Syrian origin of petroleum or petroleum products. Such actions will isolate Assad’s regime entirely from the US financial system.
To aid in the implementation of the executive order, the US government has identified five state-owned companies that are involved in Syria’s petroleum sector and they expect to discover more US companies financially involved with Syria over the coming weeks.
“We expect this new executive order will disrupt the Syrian regime’s ability to finance its campaign of violence against the Syrian people,” a Senior administration official stated.
Since protests began in March, the US has imposed sanctions against 32 Syrian and Iranian individuals and entities. Thursday, however, brought a newfound escalation of financial pressure on the Syrian government.
The U.S. call for Assad’s ouster is part of a growing international reaction. Statements from Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union (EU) also denounced Assad’s actions and explicitly asked for Assad to resign.
“Our aim has been to build a strong international effort in support of the universal rights of the Syrian people and to condemn and isolate the regime,” a Senior Administration official told reporters Thursday.
“We can’t predict how long this transition will take,” the Senior Administration official continued. “Nothing about it is likely to be easy but we’re certain that Assad is on his way out and international pressure will continue to build.”