Bush extends American sanctions against Syria

US President Bush has extended economic sanctions against Syria for one year, saying Damascus still posed a threat to America's national security, foreign policy and the economy.

Syria supports terrorism by "continuing its occupation of Lebanon," as well as "pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs," Bush said in a written statement Thursday.

Bush said Syria also was "undermining" international efforts to stabilize and rebuild Iraq.

Bush imposed the sanctions on Syria on May 11, 2004, using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.