The First Session on the Implementation of Sanctions Law Against Iran and Libya Begins in the U.S. House of Representatives - 2003-06-26

The first session on the implementation of the sanctions law against Iran and Libya has commenced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Iran remains the most active state sponsor of terrorism. The House International Relations Subcommittee began discussions on the sanctions law against Iran and Libya, abbreviated as 'ILSA'. In addition to discussing this law, the committee will also address the increasing security threats posed by Iran. Representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Middle East experts were invited to provide necessary explanations during this session. The chair of the session, Ms. 'Ros-Lehtinen', a Republican member from Florida, opened the meeting and stated that today's work focuses on issues related to Iran. After a brief explanation about the history of the law's approval in the U.S. Congress, the chair noted that the organizing components in drafting and approving the economic sanctions law against Iran and Libya were driven by growing concerns about investments in these oil-rich countries, which could provide the necessary resources to expedite the development of their weapons of mass destruction programs and enhance their capabilities to supply financial, educational, and other needs of terrorist organizations worldwide. According to the State Department's terrorism report, six years after the sanctions law against Iran and Libya was enacted, Iran remains the most active state sponsor of terrorism. The U.S. State Department report also details how Iran provides financial resources, safe havens, necessary training, and weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon and other terrorist groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.