AJC Welcomes New Australia Sanctions Against Iran

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Jul 30, 2010, 11:35 ET

NEW YORK, July 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Jewish Committee applauded the Australian government's announcement of tough new sanctions against Iran. The Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, described Iran's ongoing defiance over its nuclear program as "one of the most serious security challenges facing the international community."

"In keeping with its status as a leading and admired member of the family of democratic nations, Australia has made clear that the Iranian regime's actions represent an unacceptable threat to the peace and security of the world," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Australia now joins with the United States, the European Union and Canada in imposing a vital new layer of sanctions beyond those already mandated by the United Nations Security Council."

Recognizing that revenues from Iran's energy sector flow directly into the nuclear program, Australia will restrict business with Iran's gas and oil industries. Business dealings in uranium mining or involving nuclear or missile technology are also prohibited.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee