AFP: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday hailed the US Congress for endorsing a sweeping package of tough new energy and financial sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday hailed the US Congress for endorsing a sweeping package of tough new energy and financial sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.
Clinton issued a statement saying she and President Barack Obama welcomed the passage of legislation Thursday to “strengthen sanctions against Iran,” adding the pair support the “broad aims” of the Congressional action.
The new Congressional measures aimed to choke off Iran’s access to imports of refined petroleum products like gasoline and jet fuel and curb its access to the international banking system.
“We are committed to fully implementing this legislation in a manner that advances our multilateral dual-track strategy of engagement and pressure,” Clinton said.
“These new measures… build on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929 and underscore the resolve of the international community to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons,” she said.
On June 10, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1929, which imposed military and financial sanctions on Iran aiming to rein in its suspect nuclear program.
“The United States will work with our partners to maximize the impact of these efforts and to continue pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the international community’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program,” she said.
“In addition to increasing pressure on Iran’s illicit nuclear activities, this legislation also addressed the Iranian government’s continued violation of the fundamental rights of its citizens,” Clinton said.
“A year after the Iranian people took to the streets to protest an election, the leadership continues to violate its most fundamental duties of government, denying its people the right to speak freely, to assemble without fear, and to the equal administration of justice,” she said.
“We support the Congress’ efforts to call attention to these violations, and the United States will continue to hold Iran accountable for its obligations to respect the rights of its own people,” Clinton said.
