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Obama informs US Congress of Syria sanctions extension

WASHINGTON, May 3 (KUNA) -- US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said he plans to extend a "national emergency" against the Syrian government, which includes asset freezes and economic sanctions.
In a letter addressed to the two houses of the US Congress, he said the national emergency measures declared in May 2004, which identify blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting the export of certain goods to Syria, should be extended until beyond May 2016.
The Syrian regime's actions and policies "continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," he said.
"For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue in effect the national emergency declared with respect to this threat and to maintain in force the sanctions to address this national emergency," he said. (end) sd.gb