WASHINGTON (AP) — As Iran’s new president takes over, new US penalties against the country appear a done deal.
In a letter to President Barack Obama, 76 senators are demanding tougher punishment on Iran’s economy until the Islamic republic scales back its nuclear program. It also urges Obama to consider military options while keeping the door open to diplomacy.
The Senate letter, a copy of which was
obtained Saturday by The Associated Press, comes just days after the
House overwhelmingly passed new restrictions on Iran’s oil sector and
its mining and construction industries. Senators are expected to take up
the same package in September.
“Until we see a significant slowdown of Iran’s
nuclear activities, we believe our nation must toughen sanctions and
reinforce the credibility of our option to use military force at the
same time as we fully explore a diplomatic solution to our dispute with
Iran,” says the letter, which will be delivered Monday.
The Obama administration is concerned
Congress’ effort could undercut Iran’s relatively moderate
President-elect Hasan Rouhani, who was formally endorsed by Iran’s
ayatollah on Saturday and takes the oath of office Sunday. Rouhani has
pledged to follow a “path of moderation” and promised greater openness
over Iran’s nuclear program.
Obama wants to give Rouhani a chance to prove his seriousness.
The US believes Iran has been working for
years to develop nuclear weapons. Iran insists its program is for
peaceful energy and research purposes.
Rouhani’s victory signaled Iran’s clear
dissatisfaction, the senators said. But they noted that all final
decisions on nuclear matters rest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei and said Iran must not be allowed to use any new nuclear
negotiations with world powers to stall for time.
“Iran today continues its large-scale
installation of advanced centrifuges,” their letter said. “This will
soon put it in the position to be able to rapidly produce weapons-grade
uranium, bringing Tehran to the brink of a nuclear weapons capability.”
“We need to understand quickly whether Tehran
is at last ready to negotiate seriously,” it added. “Iran needs to
understand that the time for diplomacy is nearing its end.”
Obama prefers diplomacy. He has given Iran until sometime next spring to prove to the world that its program is peaceful.
- If Iran fails to do so, the stage may be set for military intervention from the US or Israel, which sees Iranian nuclear weapons capacity as an existential threat and has warned of taking action according to its own timeline.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/new-iranian-leader-greeted-with-fresh-us-penalties/
3/8/13
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Related:
Why Washington’s Iran policy could lead to global disaster ...
Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, threatens to strike Iran. The Islamic Republic, Iran, was just 60 kilograms short of crossing his “red line.”
Αυστηρό μήνυμα Νετανιάχου και Πούτιν προς Ρουχανί .... Παύση του πυρηνικού προγράμματος του Ιράν, ζητούν οι δύο πολιτικοί ηγέτες.
Iran responds to EU oil and gas sanctions with… oil and gas sanctions
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Hasan Rohani anunció que trabajará para levantar sanciones contra Irán...
ReplyDeleteEl recién electo presidente de la República Islámica de Irán, Hasan Rohani, anunció este sábado que trabajará para levantar sanciones contra su país.
Esta afirmación la dio a conocer durante una ceremonia religiosa en la que fue ratificado como presidente por el Líder Supremo Alí Jamenei, previo al acto de toma de posesión ante el Parlamento irání que se realizará este domingo.
Para el religioso, es necesario levantar las sanciones “injustas” que han sido impuestas a Irán a causa del controvertido programa nuclear, cuyas medidas han sido adoptadas por países occidentales.
Rohani declaró, en su primer discurso como presidente, que su gobierno tomará importantes decisiones para elevar la posición de Irán con base a los intereses nacionales. "Mi gobierno no será un gobierno de compromiso y rendición en materia nuclear, pero no seremos tampoco temerarios” añadió.
Este sábado el presidente recién electo de la República Islámica de Irán, Hasan Rohani fue ratificado por el Líder Supremo, Seyed Ali Jamenei, quien le ha otorgado los poderes como la nueva autoridad electa en el país persa.
En el discurso de Jamenei leído por su jefe de gabinete, pidió que defienda los objetivos del Estado islámico y los derechos de la nación. Resaltó la participación masiva del pueblo persa en la undécima edición de las elecciones presidenciales del pasado 14 de junio.
Al respecto, dijo que esta actuación pone de relieve la madurez y florecimiento políticos del pueblo. Envió mensajes de lealtad a la Revolución Islámica, así como confianza y esperanza en su Sistema islámico y en el valeroso clero.
Hasan Rohani, de 64 años, fue elegido el 14 de junio con 51 por ciento de los votos para un mandato de cuatro años. El domingo, prestará juramento ante el parlamento iraní, en una ceremonia a la cual por primera vez fueron invitados dirigentes extranjeros.
Se espera que acudan a Teherán unos diez jefes de Estado de la región, así como el español Javier Solana, ex jefe de la diplomacia europea, quien fue invitado especial por Rohani. El director del departamento de Protocolo de la Asamblea Consultiva islámica de Irán, Sayed Mohamed Yasrebi, anunció además que representantes de 40 naciones han confirmado su asistencia al acto de investidura del presidente electo de Irán.
Presidente del parlamento venezolano acudirá a toma de posesión de Rohani
Este sábado, arribó a la capital de Irán, el presidente de la Asamblea Nacional, Diosdado Cabello Rondón, para estar presente en la toma de posesión del presidente Hasan Rohani. El representante venezolano presenciará el acto por decisión del mandatario venezolano, Nicolás Maduro.
En un comunicado presentado por la Asamblea Nacional, Cabello, calificó como histórica dicha visita, siendo la primera vez que autoridades latinoamericanas acuden a esta toma de posesión.
http://www.telesurtv.net/articulos/2013/08/03/hasan-rohani-anuncio-que-trabajara-para-levantar-sanciones-contra-iran-5977.html
3/8/13
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urges end to sanctions...
ReplyDeleteranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged the West to drop sanctions and treat Tehran with respect, during his inauguration speech to parliament.
MPs cheered as he said: "If you want an adequate response, you shouldn't speak the language of sanctions, you should speak the language of respect."
Mr Rouhani, 64, nominated a cabinet that included as foreign minister ex-UN envoy Mohammad Javad Zarif, a moderate.
The US said it would be a "willing partner" if Iran "engages seriously".
The White House said Iran should meet its international obligations and deal with international concern over its nuclear programme.
Mr Rouhani, a former nuclear negotiator who has worked as a diplomat for three decades, won a surprise victory in June's election.....http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23565996
4/8/13
Rohaní: “La única solución con Irán es el diálogo, no las sanciones”...
ReplyDelete1.El clérigo moderado jura ante el Parlamento y designa a sus primeros ministros
2. Ha prometido elegir a personas de todo el espectro político
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Hasan Rohaní ha jurado este domingo como nuevo presidente de Irán ante el Parlamento. En su discurso ha dicho que "la única solución con nuestro país es el diálogo, no las sanciones". En su intervención tocó varios temas, que, aseguró, importaban a los iraquíes, incluyendo "vivir mejor" en un mundo en el que ya no están aislados. "El pueblo votó por la moderación... el pueblo quiere vivir mejor, tener dignidad, y disfrutar de una vida estable. Quiere recuperar la posición que merece entre las naciones", aseguró ante los parlamentarios.
La Casa Blanca ha reaccionado de inmediato a las palabras de Rohaní con un mensaje de buena voluntad: si Teherán quiere dedicarse "sustancial y seriamente" a cumplir con sus obligaciones internacionales, como la de su programa nuclear, Estados Unidos será "un socio dispuesto".
Se espera que el nuevo presidente nombre a su gabinete por la tarde, aunque ya se conocen algunos nombres. El antiguo embajador ante Naciones Unidas, Mohamad Javad Zarif, será el nuevo titular de Exteriores, mientras Bijan Zanganeh vuelve a ser ministro del Petróleo, cargo que ya desempeñó de 1997 a 2005. Rohaní ha asegurado que elegirá ministros procedentes de todo el espectro político. Rohaní, un clérigo relativamente moderado, ha jurado respetar la Constitución y proteger la religión oficial de la República Islámica de Irán en una ceremonia televisada por el canal estatal.
Entre los asistentes, varios jefes de Estado, así como Javier Solana, ex Alto Representante de Política Exterior y de Seguridad Común de la UE
En el acto ha intervenido primero el presidente del Parlamento, Ali Lariyaní, después el jefe del Poder Judicial y finalmente se ha producido el juramento y el discurso de Rohaní.....http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/08/04/actualidad/1375620490_832323.html
4/8/13
Revolution is over: Iran votes for easing tension and negotiations...
ReplyDeleteIn his inauguration speech, president of Iran Hassan Rouhani announced a policy of easing tension, moderation and negotiations. Without mentioning the US, he called on that nation to abandon the language of sanctions in favor of the language of respect.
This speech will surely be studied in the minutest detail in the United States, but it is already clear that we’re talking about a 180-degree turn away from the policies of Ayatollah Khomeini that were maintained by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who got his support 8 years ago from war veterans, families of fallen martyrs, superiors in the Revolutionary Guards and revolutionary students.
For the first time, an Iranian president made no mention of the nuclear program, the only issue all differently-minded Iranians inside and outside Iran agree upon.
Rouhani quoted the Quran and the hadith of the prophet Muhammad, having taking care to select the most peaceful and uncontroversial sections.
Among others, Rouhani quoted the Prophet Muhammad’s words “the ones who open their doors for the good are the ones to cooperate with and not to fight against.” The notion of the good is a controversial one in Islam that has developed notions of statehood, personal life, rights and duties dramatically different from those shared in the West.
A good half of the president’s speech was made in the form of an address to the United States. Statement after statement, Rouhani kept assuring the masters of the world of Iran’s readiness to be mild, sensible and welcoming of any solutions. The readiness to step back on many things was clear from the rhetoric.....http://rt.com/op-edge/iran-rouhani-inauguration-speech-037/
5/8/13
Gül's absence from inauguration raises questions on Turkish-Iranian ties...
ReplyDeletePresident Abdullah Gül and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's lack of attendance at the inauguration ceremony of new Iranian President Hassan Rohani has raised question marks in the minds of many amid strained relations between the two countries over Syria.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu went to Tehran on Sunday instead to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian president on behalf of Gül. Heads of state as well as senior officials from more than 50 countries watched the new president take his oath. Some 10 presidents, six parliamentary speakers, two prime ministers and 11 foreign ministers from various countries attended the ceremony, according to Iranian Embassy officials in Ankara.
According to the Turkish Radikal daily, Davutoğlu said no special meaning should be assigned to his representation of the president for the inauguration ceremony and that it is not possible to designate the level of attendance because there weren't any earlier examples of the ceremony. However, this being the first time that foreign dignitaries attended the swearing in of an Iranian president, Turkey's attendance as Iran's neighbor is important for bilateral relations with the new presidency.....http://www.todayszaman.com//news-322845-guls-absence-from-inauguration-raises-questions-on-turkish-iranian-ties.html
5/8/13
Nucléaire : l'Iran prêt à des «négociations sérieuses sans perte de temps»...
ReplyDeleteHassan Rohani, le nouveau président, a déclaré vouloir résoudre et entamer des négociations sur la crise du nucléaire iranien.
Par AFP
L’Iran est prêt à des «négociations sérieuses sans perte de temps» avec les grandes puissances pour résoudre la crise du nucléaire iranien, a déclaré mardi le nouveau président Hassan Rohani lors de sa première conférence de presse.
«Nous sommes prêts à des négociations sérieuses sans perte de temps» avec les puissances du groupe 5+1 (Etats-Unis, France, Grande-Bretagne, Russie, Chine et Allemagne), a déclaré Rohani se disant «certain que si l’autre partie est prête, les inquiétudes (des Occidentaux, ndlr) seront levées rapidement.»
«Le programme nucléaire est une question nationale. Le gouvernement insiste sur les droits nucléaires conformes aux règles internationales. Nous ne céderons pas sur les droits de notre nation mais nous sommes partisans de dialogue et d’entente», a ajouté Rohani.
«En tant que président je déclaré que la République islamique a une volonté politique sérieuse pour régler la question (nucléaire) en préservant les droits de l’Iran et dans le même temps répondre aux inquiétudes de l’autre partie», a-t-il dit encore.
Rohani a également critiqué les dirigeants américains qui «comprennent mal» l’Iran.
«Le récent communiqué de la Maison Blanche montre que certains dirigeants américains comprennent mal les réalités de l’Iran et des récentes élections», a déclaré Rohani.
Il a par ailleurs affirmé que l’enrichissement d’uranium était le «droit indéniable» de l’Iran.
«Personne n’a dit en Iran qu’on cessera l’enrichissement d’uranium. Personne et à aucun moment. C’est clair que c’est le droit indéniable de l’Iran», a déclaré M. Rohani.
Il a aussi critiqué les lois votées par la chambre des représentants et les appels de sénateurs américains à un durcissement des sanctions contre l’Iran. «Malheureusement aux Etats-Unis, il y a des groupes de pression, des va-t-en guerre hostiles à un dialogue constructif, qui cherchent à assurer les intérêts d’un pays étranger (Israël, ndlr) et y prennent leurs ordres», a ajouté Rohani en faisant référence au vote récent par la chambre des représentants d’une loi qui vise à empêcher toutes les exportations pétrolières de l’Iran.
«Les intérêts d’un pays étranger (Israël, ndlr) et d’un groupe ont été imposés aux députés américains et nous disons que cela ne répond pas aux intérêts des Etats-Unis», a-t-il ajouté....http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2013/08/06/nucleaire-l-iran-pret-a-des-negociations-serieuses-sans-perte-de-temps_923185?xtor=rss-450
6/8/13
Iranian hard-liners attack Rouhani’s new cabinet ...Legislators to vote on ministers Wednesday...
ReplyDeleteTEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Hard-line parliamentarians challenged Monday the Cabinet proposed by Iran’s new president, accusing him of nominating ministers who are friendly to the West or who back “sedition” against the country’s clerically dominated system of government.
President Hasan Rouhani fired back at his critics, saying he chose Western-educated ministers based on their competence and that the country is tired of “extremism.”
In what is expected to be three days of debate ending Wednesday, legislators will vote individually to approve or reject each minister in Rouhani’s 18-member Cabinet. Hard-liners are using the debates to launch their first major salvo against Rouhani’s agenda since his election in a landslide victory in June, won with the backing of centrists and reformists.
The new president has pledged to improve an economy ravaged by international sanctions through empowering technocrats and mending bridges with the rest of the world. He took the oath of office on August 4 and sent his proposed Cabinet list to the parliament the same day.....http://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-hard-liners-attack-rouhanis-new-cabinet/
12/8/13
‘Inhuman sanctions’ by US fail to achieve political goals, as people suffer...
ReplyDeleteWashington seems certain that exerting sanctions on countries is the safest way to achieve their foreign policy goals. In reality economic and political sanctions do little to control the governments they target, hitting ordinary citizens hard instead.
“The aim of sanctions is to harm the state. But the real victims are ordinary, regular people. Experience has shown that there’s a huge wedge between what ordinary people experience under sanctions, and what the elite do,” RT’s Middle East correspondent Paula Slier reported.
One country against which the US has introduced a wide range of sanctions is Iran. While there’s no concrete proof that Tehran has been busy developing nuclear weapons (it insists its atomic program is for peaceful purposes only), due to international sanctions, the country is struggling to source necessary medicine to treat cancer patients.
Meanwhile, cancer is the third cause of premature death in Iran, with 30,000 people a year now dying from the disease, according to www.ncr-iran.org. Furthermore, a number of these people can ill afford increasingly expensive treatment.
Widespread pollution, excessive use of chemical fertilizers containing cadmium and nitrate, as well as the high psychological pressure of life, have been blamed for the soaring cancer statistics.
“It is my second chemotherapy program. Previously, each session cost approximately 300 dollars. These days it costs about 700 dollars,” pensioner Mahammad Rhidai, who is a cancer patient, told RT. “It is also a challenge to get the medication, because you have to go to almost every drugstore asking for them and also because the prices are way too high.”
Doctors are also sounding the alarm: the trade embargo has caused shortages of food and medical supplies. The director of a cancer center in Iran says he has faced lots of problems getting modern equipment to treat cancer patients.
“There are numerous obstacles for importing the equipment due to the sanctions in place against Iran. We have some equipment but it requires spare parts that we can’t get anywhere. A failure of any single piece or part of this equipment causes us to stop operating the entire machine,” Dr. Kaziminyan said.
Iran is looking to reach out to the world’s powers to revive nuclear talks, in a bid to resolve the global standoff that has dragged on for years. ....http://rt.com/news/us-sanctions-hit-ordinary-people-227/
23/9/13
Kerry: Iran must show it's not seeking bomb for lifting of US sanctions...
ReplyDeleteWASHINGTON - US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday the United States will not lift sanctions on Iran until it shows it is not pursuing a nuclear-weapons capability.
In an interview with the CBS show 60 Minutes, Kerry said one concrete step Iran could take to show it was serious about not seeking nuclear arms would be to open up its Fordow uranium enrichment facility to UN inspectors.
"The United States is not going to lift the sanctions until it is clear that a very verifiable, accountable, transparent process is in place, whereby we know exactly what Iran is going be doing with its (nuclear) program," Kerry said.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Kerry-Iran-must-show-its-not-seeking-bomb-for-lifting-of-US-sanctions-327232
27/9/13