Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js2617.htm
June 30, 2005
JS-2617
Treasury Designation Targets Individuals
Leading Syria’s Military Presence in Lebanon
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today named Ghazi Kanaan and Rustum Ghazali Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) of Syria pursuant to Executive Order 13338, which is aimed at financially isolating individuals and entities contributing to the Government of Syria's problematic behavior.
"Actions like today's are intended to financially isolate bad actors supporting Syria's efforts to destabilize its neighbors," said Treasury Secretary John W. Snow.
"We are seeing democracy take hold in Lebanon and other places in the Middle East, yet Syria continues to support violent groups and political strife. Syria needs to join its neighbors in embracing the progress towards liberty," Snow continued.
Information available to the U.S. Government indicates that Kanaan and Ghazali have directed the Syrian Arab Republic Government's (SARG) military and security presence in Lebanon and/or contributed to the SARG's support for terrorism. Both Ghazali and Kanaan allegedly engaged in a variety of corrupt activities and were reportedly the beneficiaries of corrupt business deals during their respective tenures in Lebanon.
Today's designation freezes any assets the designees may have located in the United States, and prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with these individuals.
Identifying Information
Ghazi Kanaan
DOB: circa 1943
POB: Near Qerdaha, Syria
Nationality: Syria
Address: Damascus, Syria
Position: Minister of Interior
According to information available to the U.S. Government, prior to his brief appointment as Chief of the Syrian Political Security Directorate and his current position as SARG Interior Minister, Ghazi Kanaan served as Syrian Military Intelligence (SMI) Chief for Lebanon for approximately 20 years. He was replaced by Ghazali in late 2002. During his command of SMI in Lebanon, Kanaan ensured that Syrian military intelligence officers remained deeply involved in Lebanese political and economic affairs.
Information available to the U.S. Government indicates that as an SMI commander in Lebanon, Kanaan contributed to the SARG's provision of support to Specially Designated Global Terrorist groups (SDGT), such as Hizballah. In 2002, three rockets in a convoy allegedly escorted by Kanaan were personally delivered across the Syrian-Lebanese border to Hizballah in Lebanon. In May 2001, in a meeting between Kanaan and Hizballah security leaders, Hizballah agreed to Syria's request that Hizballah refrain from executing any military operations without first notifying Syria, according to information available to the U.S. Government. However, in the same meeting, Hizballah also agreed to continue its casing and reconnaissance operations.
Information available to the U.S. Government indicates that Kanaan also enjoyed extensive influence over Lebanon's military and security services. In late December 2001, a Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) commander reportedly declared that effective January 2002, weapons permits and security passes issued by Syrian institutions would no longer be valid except for those passes and permits issued by Kanaan. Only those passes and permits issued by Kanaan would continue to allow the holder to carry weapons and to pass through LAF and Syrian military checkpoints in Lebanon without being questioned or searched.
Allegedly, in August 2001, the SARG believed that the Lebanese prime minister, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, and a sectarian leader had created a new alliance that was, in Syria's assessment, a violation of Syria's long-standing policy to prevent any one political party or bloc from dominating Lebanese politics. Furthermore, Syria believed that the new alliance could weaken Lebanese political parties' dependence on Damascus and diminish SARG influence within Lebanese politics. In response to this alliance, Kanaan met with the speaker of parliament to remind him that his best interests lay with the Syrians and that he should impress that fact upon others within parliament with whom the speaker had influence.
Additionally, press accounts observed that during the 2000 Lebanese parliamentary elections, Kanaan appeared to oversee the entire electoral process.
Rustum Ghazali
DOB: circa 1949
Nationality: Syria
Address: Syria
Position: Chief of Syrian Military Intelligence for Lebanon
Ghazali assumed command of Syrian Military Intelligence in Lebanon after replacing Ghazi Kanaan, his mentor, in late 2002. U.S. Government information reports that Ghazali was the implementing agent of Syrian policies in Lebanon until Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon in April 2005. During his command, Ghazali directed and significantly contributed to the SARG's military and security presence in Lebanon. Information available to the U.S. Government indicates that Ghazali, in his responsibilities for Lebanese affairs, reported directly to President Asad and then-SMI Director Hasan Khalil.
Information available to the U.S. Government indicates that Ghazali manipulated Lebanese politics to ensure that Lebanese officials and public policy remained committed to the SARG's goals and interests. In late 2004, Ghazali reportedly warned that Syria was determined to physically harm anyone who interfered with Lebanon's economic situation and caused a crisis of confidence. Also, as of late 2004, Lebanese President Lahoud allegedly consulted with Ghazali before selecting positions within his cabinet.
Reportedly, Ghazali could influence a number of the Lebanese members of parliament, and did so notably on the renewal of Lebanese President Lahoud's term in office. After the Lebanese constitution was amended to allow President Lahoud to renew his term, some commentators noted that this appeared to be the second time that Damascus had imposed a president on Beirut. Press reports indicate that in 1995, the presidential term of Elias Hrawi was also extended for three years at the urging of Syria.
Information available to the U.S. Government indicates that Ghazali also has exerted considerable control over the Lebanese military. As of mid-2003, SMI did not need to maintain as large a presence among the mid-levels of each of the Lebanese security services, because Ghazali allegedly required the heads of the LAF Directorate of Intelligence, the Internal Security Forces and the Directorate of General Security to report to him on a daily, and at times hourly, basis. In a further indication of his influence over security and political issues in Lebanon, as of late 2003, Ghazali had significant input into all internal matters in the LAF, including promotions and assignments to key positions.
Allegedly, in November 2003, senior LAF Intelligence Directorate officers continued to stress to their subordinates the importance of strengthening ties between LAF and SMI. Furthermore, they encouraged subordinates to coordinate even more closely than previously with SMI on all issues.
Background on Executive Order 13338
President George W. Bush signed E.O. 13338 on May 11, 2004 in response to the Syrian government's continued support of international terrorism, sustained occupation of Lebanon, pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and missile programs and undermining of U.S. and international efforts in Iraq. Syria's acts threaten the national security, foreign policy and economy of the United States.
The Order declared a national emergency with respect to Syria, and authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to block the property of certain persons and directing other U.S. Government agencies to impose a ban on exports to Syria.
The Treasury may designate individuals and entities found to be or to have been:
Directing or otherwise significantly contributing to the Government of Syria's provision of safe haven to or other support for any person whose property or interests in property are blocked under United States law for terrorism-related reasons, including, but not limited to, Hamas, Hizballah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, and any persons designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001;
Directing or otherwise significantly contributing to the Government of Syria's military or security presence in Lebanon;
Directing or otherwise significantly contributing to the Government of Syria's pursuit of the development and production of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons and medium- and long-range surface-to-surface missiles;
Directing or otherwise significantly contributing to any steps taken by the Government of Syria to undermine United States and international efforts with respect to the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq; or
Owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.
Click the following link for the full text of E.O. 13338: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040511-6.html
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/05/20040511-6.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 11, 2004
Executive Order
Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to Syria
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003, Public Law 108-175 (SAA), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,
I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, hereby determine that 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 constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat. To address that threat, and to implement the SAA, I hereby order the following:
Section 1. (a) The Secretary of State shall not permit the exportation or reexportation to Syria of any item on the United States Munitions List (22 C.F.R. part 121).
(b) Except to the extent provided in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to the provisions of this order in a manner consistent with the SAA, and notwithstanding any license, permit, or authorization granted prior to the effective date of this order, (i) the Secretary of Commerce shall not permit the exportation or reexportation to Syria of any item on the Commerce Control List (15 C.F.R. part 774); and (ii) with the exception of food and medicine, the Secretary of Commerce shall not permit the exportation or reexportation to Syria of any product of the United States not included in section 1(b)(i) of this order.
(c) No other agency of the United States Government shall permit the exportation or reexportation to Syria of any product of the United States, except to the extent provided in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order in a manner consistent with the SAA, and notwithstanding any license, permit, or authorization granted prior to the effective date of this order.
Sec. 2. The Secretary of Transportation shall not permit any air carrier owned or controlled by Syria to provide foreign air transportation as defined in 49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(23), except that he may, to the extent consistent with Department of Transportation regulations, permit such carriers to charter aircraft to the Government of Syria for the transport of Syrian government officials to and from the United States on official Syrian government business. In addition, the Secretary of Transportation shall prohibit all takeoffs and landings in the United States, other than those associated with an emergency, by any such air carrier when engaged in scheduled international air services.
Sec. 3. (a) Except to the extent provided in section 203(b)(1), (3), and (4) of the IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(1), (3), and (4)), and the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (title IX, Public Law 106387) (TSRA), or regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the effective date of this order, all property and interests in property of the following persons, that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of United States persons, including their overseas branches, are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: persons who are determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State,
(i) to be or to have been directing or otherwise significantly
contributing to the Government of Syria's provision of safe haven to
or other support for any person whose property or interests in
property are blocked under United States law for terrorism-related
reasons, including, but not limited to, Hamas, Hizballah, Palestinian
Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, and
any persons designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September
23, 2001;
(ii) to be or to have been directing or otherwise significantly
contributing to the Government of Syria's military or security
presence in Lebanon;
(iii) to be or to have been directing or otherwise significantly
contributing to the Government of Syria's pursuit of the development
and production of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons and
medium- and long-range surface-to-surface missiles;
(iv) to be or to have been directing or otherwise significantly
contributing to any steps taken by the Government of Syria to
undermine United States and
international efforts with respect to the stabilization and
reconstruction of Iraq; or
(v) to be owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for
or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any
person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant
to this order.
(b) The prohibitions in paragraph (a) of this section include, but are not limited to, (i) the making of any contribution of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and (ii) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
Sec. 4. (a) Any transaction by a United States person or within the United States that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
Sec. 5. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of the IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) would seriously impair the ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and hereby prohibit, (i) the exportation or reexportation of such donated articles to Syria as provided in section 1(b) of this order; and (ii) the making of such donations by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 3 of this order.
Sec. 6. For purposes of this order:
(a) the term "person" means an individual or entity;
(b) the term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization;
(c) the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States;
(d) the term "Government of Syria" means the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, its agencies, instrumentalities, and controlled entities; and
(e) the term "product of the United States" means: for the purposes of subsection 1(b), any item subject to the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. parts 730-774); and for the purposes of subsection 1(c), any item subject to the export licensing jurisdiction of any other United States Government agency.
Sec. 7. With respect to the prohibitions contained in section 1 of this order, consistent with subsection 5(b) of the SAA, I hereby determine that it is in the national security interest of the United States to waive, and hereby waive application of subsection 5(a)(1) and subsection 5(a)(2)(A) of the SAA so as to permit the exportation or reexportation of certain items as specified in the Department of Commerce's General Order No. 2 to Supplement No. 1, 15 C.F.R. part 736, as issued consistent with this order and as may be amended pursuant to the provisions of this order and in a manner consistent with the SAA. This waiver is made pursuant to the SAA only to the extent that regulation of such exports or reexports would not otherwise fall within my constitutional authority to conduct the Nation's foreign affairs and protect national security.
Sec. 8. With respect to the prohibitions contained in section 2 of this order, consistent with subsection 5(b) of the SAA, I hereby determine that it is in the national security interest of the United States to waive, and hereby waive, application of subsection 5(a)(2)(D) of the SAA insofar as it pertains to: aircraft of any air carrier owned or controlled by Syria chartered by the Syrian government for the transport of Syrian government officials to and from the United States on official Syrian government business, to the extent consistent with Department of Transportation regulations; takeoffs or landings for non-traffic stops of aircraft of any such air carrier that is not engaged in scheduled international air services; takeoffs and landings associated with an emergency; and overflights of United States territory.
Sec. 9. I hereby direct the Secretary of State to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, as may be necessary to carry out subsection 1(a) of this order. I hereby direct the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, as may be necessary to carry out subsection 1(b) of this order. I direct the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, as may be necessary to carry out section 2 of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by the IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out sections 3, 4, and 5 of this order. The Secretaries of State, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government consistent with applicable law. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury, as appropriate, is authorized to exercise the functions and authorities conferred upon the President in subsection 5(b) of the SAA and to redelegate these functions and authorities consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order and, where appropriate, to advise the Secretaries of State, Commerce, Transportation, and the Treasury in a timely manner of the measures taken.
Sec. 10. This order is not intended to create, and does not create, any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.
Sec. 11. For those persons whose property or interests in property are blocked pursuant to section 3 of this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render these measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to this order.
Sec. 12. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, is authorized to submit the recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section 204(c) of the IEEPA, 50 U.S.C. 1703(c).
Sec. 13. (a) This order is effective at 12:01 eastern daylight time on May 12, 2004.
(b) This order shall be transmitted to the Congress and published in the Federal Register.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 11, 2004.
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