Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton, July 1, 2011Footnote ¹

Statement by President Obama, July 31, 2011Footnote ²

President Obama. I am appalled by the Syrian government's use of violence and brutality against its own people. The reports out of Hama are horrifying and demonstrate the true character of the Syrian regime. Once again, President Assad has shown that he is completely incapable and unwilling to respond to the legitimate grievances of the Syrian people. His use of torture, corruption and terror puts him on the wrong side of history and his people. Through his own actions, Bashar al-Assad is ensuring that he and his regime will be left in the past, and that the courageous Syrian people who have demonstrated in the streets will determine its future. Syria will be a better place when a democratic transition goes forward. In the days ahead, the United States will continue to increase our pressure on the Syrian regime, and work with others around the world to isolate the Assad government and stand with the Syrian people.

White House Statement, August 1, 2011Footnote ³

The President took the opportunity today to consult with U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, who is in Washington D.C. for meetings with the Senate and key Administration officials. The President thanked Ambassador Ford for his extraordinary service to the American people at a very challenging time in Syria. The President also reiterated his strong condemnation of the Syrian regime's outrageous use of violence against its own people, and reaffirmed America's support for the courageous Syrian people, and their demands for universal rights and a democratic transition.

Statement by Secretary of State Clinton, August 1, 2011Footnote ⁴

Statement by Secretary of State Clinton, August 2, 2011Footnote ⁵

Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, August 4, 2011Footnote ⁶

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced today the designation of Muhammad Hamsho, a member of the Syrian Parliament and prominent businessman, pursuant to Executive Orders (E.O.) 13573 and 13572 for providing services in support of, and for acting for or on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Asad and for acting for or on behalf of President Asad's brother Mahir al-Asad. Hamsho International Group, a Syrian holding company that has approximately 20 subsidiary or affiliated companies, was also designated today pursuant to E.O.s 13573 and 13572 for being controlled by Muhammad Hamsho.

E.O. 13573 targets senior officials of the Government of Syria. The U.S. imposed sanctions against President Bashar al-Asad in May 2011 by listing him in the Annex to E.O. 13573. E.O. 13572 targets Syrian officials and others responsible for human rights abuses in Syria. Mahir al-Asad was listed in the Annex to E.O. 13572 in April 2011 for the leading role he played in the Syrian regime's actions in Dar'a, where protesters have been killed by Syrian security forces.

“Muhammad Hamsho earned his fortune through his connections to regime insiders, and during the current unrest, he has cast his lot with Bashar al-Asad, Mahir al-Asad and others responsible for the Syrian government's violence and intimidation against the Syrian people,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. “The sanctions we are applying today to Hamsho and his company are the direct consequence of his actions.”

Hamsho is one of Syria's top businessmen and has interests in nearly every sector of the Syrian economy. He is a close business associate of Mahir al-Asad and has served as a frontman for him and a number of Asad's businesses. He has provided gifts to gain the favor of senior Syrian officials and has served as a front to mask a senior Syrian official's illicit and licit financial and business transactions. Members of the Syrian business community believe that Hamsho is a successful businessman because of his relationship to Syrian elites rather than his business acumen. In addition, during Hamsho's successful bids for election to the Syrian parliament, he paid large sums of money to secure his seat.

Hamsho International Group has interests in the fabrication of metal products; distribution of construction, electrical machinery, equipment, and chemicals; civil contracting for water, oil, gas, petrochemicals, buildings, and infrastructure projects; trade in telecommunication products, computers, and computer peripherals; provision of internet services; television production; ownership and management of hotels and resorts; car rental; distribution of carpets; animal farming and trade in horses; printing services; and production of ice cream.

As one of the company's main shareholders, Hamsho is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hamsho International Group and is listed as the company's Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.

As a result of today's action, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in commercial or financial transactions with today's designees and any assets they may hold subject to U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.

Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, August 10, 2011Footnote ⁷

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the designation of the Commercial Bank of Syria, a Syrian state-owned financial institution, and its Lebanon-based subsidiary, Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, and Syriatel, the largest mobile phone operator in Syria, pursuant to E.O. 13572.

“By exposing Syria's largest commercial bank as an agent for designated Syrian and North Korean proliferators, and by targeting Syria's largest mobile phone operator for being controlled by one of the regime's most corrupt insiders, we are taking aim at the financial infrastructure that is helping provide support to Asad and his regime's illicit activities,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen.

E.O. 13382 is an authority that targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their supporters, and E.O. 13572 targets Syrian officials and others responsible for human rights abuses in Syria. As a result of today's actions, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in commercial or financial transactions with the Commercial Bank of Syria, Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank and Syriatel, and any assets of these entities under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.

Commercial Bank of Syria and Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank

The Commercial Bank of Syria, a Syrian state-owned financial institution based in Damascus with approximately 50 branches, was designated today for providing financial services to Syria's Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) and North Korea's Tanchon Commercial Bank (Tanchon). SSRC and Tanchon were listed in the Annex to E.O. 13382 in June 2005 for their support for WMD proliferation by Syria and North Korea, respectively. The Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank was designated today for being owned or controlled by the Commercial Bank of Syria.

SSRC controls Syria's missile production facilities and oversees Syria's facilities to develop unconventional weapons and their delivery systems. The Commercial Bank of Syria has continued to provide financial services to the SSRC and associated companies following the SSRC's designation, including the maintenance of bank accounts and financing for purchases that permit the SSRC and associated companies to advance Syria's WMD programs. For example, in 2010, SSRC arranged financing through the Commercial Bank of Syria for missile-related purchases.

The Commercial Bank of Syria also holds an account for Tanchon, the primary financial agent for the Korea Mining Development Corporation (KOMID), North Korea's premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons. KOMID was also listed in the Annex to E.O. 13382.

The Commercial Bank of Syria has also engaged in dealings with several Iranian banks designated by Treasury under E.O. 13382, including the Export Development Bank of Iran, Bank Saderat and Bank Melli.

The Commercial Bank of Syria was identified by Treasury as a financial institution of primary money laundering concern under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT ACT in May 2004, and issued its Final Rule in March 2006. The Commercial Bank of Syria remains in control of much of the Syrian banking market and controls most public sector contracts. In light of today's designation, Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued an advisory to alert U.S. financial institutions of the Commercial Bank of Syria's continued involvement in illicit financial activities.

Syriatel

Syriatel, the largest mobile phone operator in Syria, was designated today for being owned or controlled by Rami Makhluf, a powerful Syrian businessman and regime insider designated under E.O. 13460 in February 2008 for improperly benefitting from and aiding the public corruption of Syrian regime officials.

Treasury identified Syriatel as property blocked pursuant to E.O. 13460 in July 2008 because of Makhluf's majority ownership interest in the company. Despite attempts to obscure his controlling interest in Syriatel, Makhluf has continued to own and run the telecommunications company.

Syriatel was also designated today for being owned and controlled by Al Mashreq Investment Fund—a firm designated by Treasury pursuant to E.O. 13572 in May 2011 for being owned and controlled by Makhluf. Al Mashreq Investment Fund is Syriatel's largest shareholder.

White House Statement, August 11, 2011Footnote ⁸

President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Erdogan today about the situation in Syria, and other regional issues. The two leaders underscored the urgency of the situation, reiterated their deep concern about the Syrian Government's use of violence against civilians and their belief that the Syrian people's legitimate demands for a transition to democracy should be met. They agreed on the need for an immediate halt of all bloodshed and violence against the Syrian people. They further agreed to closely monitor the actions that the Syrian government is taking, and to consult closely in the days ahead. Finally, the two leaders agreed to coordinate closely in responding to the tragic famine in the horn of Africa, and to redouble our efforts to provide assistance and save lives.

White House Statement, August 13, 2011Footnote ⁹

President Obama spoke to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia today about regional issues and the situation in Syria. The two leaders expressed their shared, deep concerns about the Syrian Government's use of violence against its citizens. They agreed that the Syrian regime's brutal campaign of violence against the Syrian people must end immediately, and to continue close consultations about the situation in the days ahead. The President also reaffirmed the long-term commitment of the United States to the region's peace and security.

White House Statement, August 13, 2011Footnote ¹⁰

The President and Prime Minister Cameron spoke today, continuing their frequent and close consultations on global matters of mutual interest. The two leaders discussed the situation in Syria, reiterating their deep concern about the Syrian government's use of violence against civilians and their belief that the Syrian people's legitimate demands for a transition to democracy should be met. They agreed on the need for an immediate halt of all bloodshed and violence against the Syrian people. They also agreed to closely monitor the actions that the Syrian government is taking and to consult on further steps in the days ahead. In addition, the two leaders discussed recent developments in the global financial system, Libya, and Afghanistan. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences for the loss of life resulting from the August 6 downing of the U.S. helicopter in Afghanistan. The President joined the Prime Minister in welcoming the return of public order following several days of looting and violence in a number of British cities.

Statement by President Obama, August 18, 2011Footnote ¹¹

President Obama. The United States has been inspired by the Syrian peoples’ pursuit of a peaceful transition to democracy. They have braved ferocious brutality at the hands of their government. They have spoken with their peaceful marches, their silent shaming of the Syrian regime, and their courageous persistence in the face of brutality—day after day, week after week. The Syrian government has responded with a sustained onslaught. I strongly condemn this brutality, including the disgraceful attacks on Syrian civilians in cities like Hama and Deir al Zour, and the arrests of opposition figures who have been denied justice and subjected to torture at the hands of the regime. These violations of the universal rights of the Syrian people have revealed to Syria, the region, and the world the Assad government's flagrant disrespect for the dignity of the Syrian people.

The United States opposes the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Syria, and we support the universal rights of the Syrian people. We have imposed sanctions on President Assad and his government. The European Union has imposed sanctions as well. We helped lead an effort at the UN Security Council to condemn Syria's actions. We have coordinated closely with allies and partners from the region and around the world. The Assad government has now been condemned by countries in all parts of the globe, and can look only to Iran for support for its brutal and unjust crackdown.

The future of Syria must be determined by its people, but President Bashar al-Assad is standing in their way. His calls for dialogue and reform have rung hollow while he is imprisoning, torturing, and slaughtering his own people. We have consistently said that President Assad must lead a democratic transition or get out of the way. He has not led. For the sake of the Syrian people, the time has come for President Assad to step aside.

The United States cannot and will not impose this transition upon Syria. It is up to the Syrian people to choose their own leaders, and we have heard their strong desire that there not be foreign intervention in their movement. What the United States will support is an effort to bring about a Syria that is democratic, just, and inclusive for all Syrians. We will support this outcome by pressuring President Assad to get out of the way of this transition, and standing up for the universal rights of the Syrian people along with others in the international community.

As a part of that effort, my Administration is announcing unprecedented sanctions to deepen the financial isolation of the Assad regime and further disrupt its ability to finance a campaign of violence against the Syrian people. I have signed a new Executive Order requiring the immediate freeze of all assets of the Government of Syria subject to U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in any transaction involving the Government of Syria. This E.O. also bans U.S. imports of Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products; prohibits U.S. persons from having any dealings in or related to Syria's petroleum or petroleum products; and prohibits U.S. persons from operating or investing in Syria. We expect today's actions to be amplified by others.

We recognize that it will take time for the Syrian people to achieve the justice they deserve. There will be more struggle and sacrifice. It is clear that President Assad believes that he can silence the voices of his people by resorting to the repressive tactics of the past. But he is wrong. As we have learned these last several months, sometimes the way things have been is not the way that they will be. It is time for the Syrian people to determine their own destiny, and we will continue to stand firmly on their side.

Statement by Secretary of State Clinton, August 18, 2011Footnote ¹²

Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, August 18, 2011Footnote ¹³

President Obama signed an Executive Order imposing additional sanctions against the Government of Syria today, freezing any assets of the Government of Syria in the United States and banning the importation into the United States of petroleum or petroleum products of Syrian origin.

Responding to the continuing escalation of violence against the people of Syria, this Order reflects the ongoing commitment of the U.S. to ensure that any assets of the Syrian government subject to U.S. jurisdiction cannot be used to further the Syrian regime's campaign of violence and repression against Syrian citizens.

“The President took decisive action today to add force to his call for Bashar al-Asad to step down by imposing far-reaching sanctions targeting the entire Government of Syria and its energy sector,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “This Order strikes at a crucial revenue stream for Syria's government and, together with our continuing targeted sanctions, will disrupt the Asad regime's ability to finance its campaign of violence against the Syrian people.”

Blocking the Government of Syria's Access to the U.S. Financial System

The Order significantly escalates financial pressure on the Government of Syria, which includes its agencies, instrumentalities and controlled entities, by denying it access to the U.S. financial system and prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions or dealings with it.

The Order also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to apply sanctions against persons determined to be owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, or to have provided support for the Government of Syria or any other person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to the Order.

Energy Sector Sanctions

In issuing this Order, the President has directly targeted Syria's petroleum exports—a significant source of government revenue—by banning the importation into the United States of Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products and prohibiting U.S. persons, wherever located, from engaging in any transactions or dealings in or related to Syrian-origin petroleum or petroleum products.

Also today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury identified the following entities as Government of Syria entities, therefore subject to sanctions under the new Executive Order:

The General Petroleum Corporation: The state-owned company that controls Syria's oil and gas industry and is responsible for the exploration, development and investment of Syria's oil and gas exploration activities. The General Petroleum Corporation supervises the following affiliate state-owned companies, also identified today:

Syrian Petroleum Company: Responsible for upstream oil production and development in Syria.

Syrian Company for Oil Transport: Manages Syria's domestic pipeline system and is responsible for transporting all Syrian crude and petroleum products. Syrian Company for Oil Transport manages Syria's three major oil export/import terminals: Baniyas, Tartous and Latakia.

Syrian Gas Company: Responsible for processing, transporting and marketing Syria's natural gas.

SYTROL: Syria's state oil marketing firm that is responsible for selling Syrian crude to foreign buyers.

Export Ban

This Order also prohibits the exportation or re-exportation of services from the United States, or by U.S. persons, to Syria—supplementing an existing export ban on most products of the United States to Syria. New investment in Syria by a U.S. person, wherever located, is also prohibited under the Order.

Statement by Secretary of State Clinton, August 23, 2011Footnote ¹⁴

Press Release from the Department of the Treasury, August 30, 2011Footnote ¹⁵

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced the designations of three senior officials of the Government of Syria—Syria's Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid Al-Moallem, Syria's Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban and Syria's Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali—pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13573.

“Building on our sanctions targeting the entire Government of Syria, we are bringing additional pressure to bear today directly on three senior Asad regime officials who are principal defenders of the regime's activities,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen.

Walid Al-Moallem was appointed Foreign and Expatriates Minister in February 2006 and Bouthaina Shaaban has served as Syria's Presidential Political and Media Advisor since July 2008. As Syria's primary link to Lebanon, Ali Abdul Karim Ali has served as the Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon since May 2009 and has maintained close ties to Syrian intelligence throughout his diplomatic career.

Signed by President Obama on May 18, 2011, E.O. 13573 targets senior officials of the Government of Syria. On August 18, 2011, the President signed E.O. 13582, imposing additional sanctions—the strongest to date—against the Government of Syria and its instrumentalities, including its Central Bank and its energy sector. As a result of today's action, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with any of the designees and any assets they may have subject to U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.