The Syrian American community today achieved tangible results after years of hard work and exercising their democratic rights in the United States. The White House, State Department, Treasury Department, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Engel all issued strong statements in support of the Syrian people.
Today the State Department followed by the Treasury Department announced sweeping sanctions against Bashar Al-Assad, his wife Asma al-Assad, and 37 other designations under the Caesar Act and Executive Order 13894. “As of today, the sanctions provision of the Caesar Act are in full effect. Anyone doing business with the Assad regime, no matter where in the world they are, is potentially exposed to travel restrictions and financial sanctions.” “Many more sanctions will come until Assad and his regime stop their needless, brutal war and agree to a political solution.”
The bipartisan Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 passed six months ago by both Houses of Congress with the encouragement of the Syrian American community who reached out to Members of Congress to raise awareness of the tragedy unfolding in their homeland. Caesar authorizes sanctions on anyone – Syrian or foreign – that does business with the government.
The White House issued a statement asserting “Today’s designations send a clear message that no individual or business should enter into business with or otherwise enrich such a vile regime. Importantly, today’s actions under the Caesar Act and Executive Orders 13894, 13582, and 13573 are intended to hold the murderous Assad regime accountable. These sanctions are not directed at the Syrian people.”
“This Administration is committed to a lasting political solution. The Assad regime and its patrons must recognize that a political resolution is the only viable mechanism to bring a peaceful end to the Syrian conflict.”
Ambassador James F. Jeffrey, Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, revealed that the United States is“…against the regime and its enablers is thus to promote accountability and deny them access to the international financial system until a political solution to the Syria conflict can be reached. Such a solution must be in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, the internationally accepted road-map for a political settlement to the Syrian War.”
These efforts are reflective of the Syrian American community and the support given to Citizens for a Secure and Safe America.
