(EU-3), (IAEA), Iranian nuclear issues

U.S. Support for the EU-3 Secretary Condoleezza Rice Washington, DC March 11, 2005

The United States appreciates the efforts of the European Union 3 (EU-3) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to deal with the Iranian nuclear issue. President Bush had very good discussions on Iran when he was in Europe which reflect a common view on the way forward.

The Europeans have been very clear with the Iranians that there will have to be certain objective guarantees that Iran is not trying to use a civilian nuclear program to provide cover for a weapons program.

In order to support the EU-3’s diplomacy, the President has decided that the U.S. will drop its objection to Iran’s application to the World Trade Organization and will consider, on a case by case basis, the licensing of spare-parts for Iranian civilian aircraft, in particular from the EU to Iran.

We share the desire of European Governments to secure Iran’s adherence to its obligations through peaceful and diplomatic means. Today’s announcement demonstrates that we are prepared to take practical steps to support European efforts to this end. The spotlight must remain on Iran, and on Iran’s obligation to live up to its international commitments.

We also share with European Governments concerns about Iran’s record on human rights and democracy and its support for terrorism. At this moment of historic opportunity, as the U.S. and our allies work together to support progress between the Israelis and the Palestinians, Iran must cease its support for those groups who use violence to oppose Middle East peace.
2005/308

Released on March 11, 2005 SOURCE: US Department of State

National Emergency with Respect to Iran

Notice: Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Iran

On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Iran pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including its support for international terrorism, efforts to undermine the Middle East peace process, and acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them. On May 6, 1995, the President issued Executive Order 12959 imposing more comprehensive sanctions to further respond to this threat, and on August 19, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13059 consolidating and clarifying the previous orders.

Because the actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2005. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran. Because the emergency declared by Executive Order 12957 constitutes an emergency separate from that declared on November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170, this renewal is distinct from the emergency renewal of November 2004. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH THE WHITE HOUSE, March 10, 2005. # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary