AJC Welcomes Japan's New Sanctions on Iran

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Sep 03, 2010, 08:46 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC praised Japan for announcing tougher sanctions against Iran, adding to the growing international effort to deter the Middle East nation from pursuing nuclear-weapons capability.

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"Japan's action today is another clear message to Iran's leaders that their country's closest trading partners are tired of their constant deceit about Iran's nuclear program," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "There is widening recognition around the world that a nuclear Iran poses a profound danger to global security."

The new measures Tokyo announced today include suspension of new oil and gas investments in Iran, and freezing the assets of 88 companies and 24 individuals linked to Iran's nuclear program. The Nippon Export and Investment Insurance Agency also will curb policies that protect Japanese exporters to Iran.

Iran oil exports to Japan, however, will not be affected.

Japan's significant action comes after the United States, European Union, Canada and Australia strengthened sanctions against Iran, following the fourth UN Security Council resolution, adopted in June, imposing further economic and financial sanctions.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee