BIS Issues Statement on Suspension of Export Licenses to Syria
Effective May 18, 2011, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) suspended certain licenses for the export and reexport to Syria of U.S. origin parts and components needed for the overhaul/refurbishment of certain long-range, high capacity commercial aircraft not currently in service. Due to the commission of human rights abuses related to political repression in Syria, export and reexport of these items is now deemed contrary to the foreign policy interests of the United States. BIS took this action under the authority of Section 750.8 of the Export Administration Regulations and all persons holding relevant licenses have been notified of this action.