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Notice: Continuation Of The National Emergency With Respect To The Former
Liberian Regime Of Charles Taylor
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary July 16, 2008

Notice: Continuation Of The National Emergency With Respect To The Former
Liberian Regime Of Charles Taylor

ÿÿWhite House News


On July 22, 2004, by Executive Order 13348, I declared a national emergency
and ordered related measures, including the blocking of the property of
certain persons connected to the former Liberian regime of Charles Taylor,
pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C.
1701-1706). I took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary
threat to the foreign policy of the United States constituted by the
actions and policies of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other
persons, in particular their unlawful depletion of Liberian resources and
their removal from Liberia and secreting of Liberian funds and property,
which have undermined Liberia's transition to democracy and the orderly
development of its political, administrative, and economic institutions and
resources. I further noted that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed on
August 18, 2003, and the related cease-fire had not yet been universally
implemented throughout Liberia, and that the illicit trade in round logs
and timber products was linked to the proliferation of and trafficking in
illegal arms, which perpetuated the Liberian conflict and fueled and
exacerbated other conflicts throughout West Africa.

The actions and policies of Charles Taylor and others have left a legacy of
destruction that continues to undermine Liberia's transformation and
recovery. Because the actions and policies of these persons continue to
pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the
United States, the national emergency declared on July 22, 2004, and the
measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in
effect beyond July 22, 2008. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d)
of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1
year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13348.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to
the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

July 16, 2008.

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