Syria Reacts to U.S. Sanctions

A statement issued by the White House stated that economic sanctions will include freezing some Syrian property in the U.S. and putting some restrictions on products other than humanitarian goods.

Tuesday’s Washington statement reads: ‘by applying these sanction, U.S. President George W. Bush shows the U.S.’ decisiveness against Syria which supports terrorist groups, maintains a military existence in Lebanon, continues to get weapons of mass destruction and conducts activities to hinder U.S. efforts in the international arena for Iraq’s reconstruction and stability’. Otri reacted against this decision and called on the U.S. to retract the decision and prevent problems between the two countries.

Reportedly, direct flights to Syria are also cancelled. Bush defined Syria as ‘an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, foreign affairs and economic relations.’ Syria, which has a 300 million dollar trade volume with the U.S., also trades with European Union (EU) countries. Syria, whose economy is based on crude oil and textile, has a trade volume of 7.2 billion dollars with EU countries. However, media advisor to the Syrian Information Ministry, Ahmed Hac Ali, said the political effects of the economic sanctions will be greater and said that trade with the EU could be damaged by American pressure. Washington blames Syria for supporting terrorism, invading Lebanon and failing to provide security on the Iraqi border.