New York, NY, May 12, 2004 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today applauded President George W. Bush for imposing sanctions against Syria, citing its support for terror and pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.

"We applaud the President's action.  It is another demonstration of this administration's commitment to deny terrorists and their state sponsors materials, technology and expertise," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Beyond any economic impact, the President's decision to forgo a waiver and utilize this law demonstrates the strength of U.S. resolve to use every available tool in the U.S. foreign policy arsenal to press for a change in Syrian behavior."

The President imposed sanctions under the newly enacted Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act, which ADL strongly supported.  The act bans all exports to Syria that have potential military applications, bars flights between the U.S. and Syria, and authorizes the Treasury Department to freeze the assets of Syrian nationals or entities involved with terrorism, illicit weapons, the occupation of Lebanon or terrorist activities in Iraq, along with other sanctions.