LIEBERMAN STATEMENT ON IRAN SANCTIONS RESOLUTION

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) issued the following statement today about the passage by the UN Security Council of a fourth resolution imposing additional sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran:

“It is fitting that, on the eve of the anniversary of Iran's June 12 presidential election, the UN Security Council has at last voted to put in place a range of additional sanctions condemning the ruling regime in Teheran. Although the new resolution is far from perfect and long overdue, it is a valuable stepping stone to the much broader international effort and stronger sanctions we need to increase the pressure on the Iranian government for its illicit nuclear activities, human rights abuses, and support for terrorism. The key test, therefore, will come in the weeks ahead, as all responsible nations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East must join together in imposing the kind of crippling sanctions that are necessary against Iran.

“The adoption of the UN resolution also clears the way for Congress to pass the comprehensive Iran sanctions bill that has been pending in conference committee. Precisely because the UN sanctions are not strong enough to convince Iran's leaders to change course, it is imperative that we in Congress put in place legislation that is as strong as possible, including mandatory sanctions that target both Iran's energy sector and its financial sector. Our bill must also include targeted sanctions that punish the Iranian officials responsible for the ongoing campaign of repression against the Iranian people and put human rights and democracy where they belong -- at the center of our Iran strategy.”

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