The U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Arms Dealers to Iran - 2004-04-03

The United States has imposed sanctions on 13 foreign companies and individuals in seven countries for selling equipment and expertise that could be used to manufacture chemical and biological weapons. This is the largest single imposition of sanctions since Congress passed legislation in 2000 aimed at preventing Iran from accessing weapons of mass destruction. Of the thirteen sanctioned entities, five are from China, two each from Russia and Macedonia, and one each from Belarus, North Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Adam Ereli, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that these sanctions are based on 'credible information' indicating that these companies have transferred sensitive technology or equipment to Iran. He noted that the sanctions are set for two years, prohibiting these companies from purchasing advanced equipment from the U.S. or engaging in any transactions with the U.S. government. Some of these companies had previously been sanctioned by the U.S., particularly the North Korean military export company 'Chang Wang Sinyong.' In a report to Congress earlier this week, John Bolton, the Deputy Secretary of State for Nonproliferation and a senior Bush administration official, stated, 'Iran has extensively utilized deception and a campaign of lies' to prevent international inspectors from understanding the scope of its 'comprehensive' programs to acquire biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.