The first U.S. sanctions were introduced in May 2004 and toughened two years later in response to what Washington called the Syrian government's support for terrorism, continuing occupation of Lebanon, development of weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, and attempts to undermine U.S. and the international community's efforts in Iraq.
The sanctions ban weapons supplies to Syria, restrict U.S. trade with the Middle East country, and freeze accounts of those suspected of helping Syria to shelter prominent terrorists, or of being involved in the development of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
Further sanctions imposed last May blocked all U.S.-based assets of individuals and organizations, which the U.S. suspected of being involved in the murder of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005 and of obstructing international investigation of the killing.
According to Bush's new instructions, all these sanctions will remain in force until May 11, 2007.
