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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

USIS Washington File

18 May 1998

TEXT: FACT SHEET ON NON-PROLIFERATION AND COUNTERTERRORISM

(White House 5/18 fact sheet on waiver of ILSA sanctions) (630)
Washington -- Secretary of State Albright has determined that it is
important to the national interest of the United States to waive the
imposition of sanctions on Total, Gazprom and Petronas despite the
determination that the investment by these firms constitutes
sanctionable activity under the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA).
Following is the text of a fact sheet, released by the White House May
18, setting forth the new procedures:
(Begin text)
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
(London, England)
For Immediate Release
May 18, 1998
FACT SHEET ON COOPERATION ON NON-PROLIFERATION AND COUNTERTERRORISM
The Secretary of State has determined that the investment by the firms
Total (France), Gazprom (Russia) and Petronas (Malaysia) constitutes
sanctionable activity under the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA).
But considering the significant, enhanced multilateral cooperation the
United States has achieved with the European Union and Russia in
accomplishing ILSA's primary objective -- inhibiting Iran's ability to
develop weapons of mass destruction [WMD] and support for terrorist
activity -- Secretary Albright has determined that it is important to
the national interest of the United States to waive the imposition of
sanctions on the three firms.
The enhanced cooperation between the United States, European Union and
Russia to counter the common threats of proliferation and terrorism
are significant achievements in advancing President Clinton's strategy
of combating the challenges to global security and prosperity in the
21st century.
The new procedures include:
EUROPEAN UNION
Building on the already high level of cooperation between the United
States and the European Union through multilateral fora, such as the
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Nuclear Suppliers Group,
Zangger Committee, Australia Group, and the Wassenaar arrangement,
with today's joint statement we will significantly increase
cooperation, to include:
-- An EU commitment to give high priority to proliferation concerns
regarding Iran;
-- A clear public undertaking to prevent dual use technology transfers
where there is a risk of diversion to WMD purposes;
-- Strengthen information sharing on non-proliferation issues and
threats with the United States;
-- Agreement to pursue development of new and better controls on
"intangible" technology transfers (e.g., via electronic transmission);
-- Closer coordination of export control assistance to third
countries;
-- Closer coordination of diplomatic efforts to stem technology
exports by other countries to proliferators, including Iran;
-- Agreement to work together and with others to ensure ratification
of all eleven counterterrorism conventions. The EU will give
particular attention to obtaining adherence by Central and Eastern
European states that are seeking EU membership.
RUSSIA
On January 22, Russia issued an Executive Order strengthening its
export control system, giving the Russian Government broad authority
to stop transfers of goods and services to foreign missile programs or
programs for weapons of mass destruction. Last week, Russia published
guidelines implementing the January executive order and establishing a
catch-all export control system. Although much remains to be done and
we will continue to work with the Russian authorities, President
Yeltsin's public statements on May 4 and May 12 were important
declarations of Russia's commitment to strictly control sensitive
technologies. The new Russian proliferation system will:
-- Establish supervisory bodies in all enterprises dealing with
missile or nuclear technologies, to ensure compliance with relevant
regulations;
-- Set procedures for exporting enterprises to ensure proper controls,
and outlines "red flags" which indicate that a proposed purchaser is
not legitimate;
-- Give the Russian Space Agency responsibility for oversight of the
space rocket industry;
-- Establish a range of measures for licensing military exports.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia has not been a source of non-proliferation concerns for the
United States, but at the upcoming session of the U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue,
the issue of establishing export control procedures for ASEAN members
will be addressed.
(End text)




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