LIEBERMAN PRAISES JAPAN'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON IRAN SANCTIONS

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT) issued the following statement today regarding the Japanese government's decision to adopt a package of new sanctions against the Iranian government, in response to its continued violation of its international obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

“I applaud the Government of Japan for its global leadership in adopting these strong new measures in response to Iran's violations of its NPT obligations. In putting forward these sanctions -- which are similar to those adopted earlier this summer by the European Union -- Japan stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States, the EU, Australia, Canada, and other countries in a growing coalition of leading nations that takes seriously their international responsibilities.

“Iran now poses a fundamental test for all countries that care about their international reputation: Do you join the global effort to pressure Iran, as a responsible stakeholder in the international system, or do you continue with business-as-usual or, worse yet, exploit other countries' restraint to pursue your own narrow economic self-interest? I hope that other countries will join Japan in making the responsible choice and show global leadership. This is especially important and urgent in Northeast Asia, given the close linkages between Iran's illicit proliferation-related activities and those of North Korea.”

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