DATE=2/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-IRAN (L)
NUMBER=2-259526
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S Senate is moving to curtail what
lawmakers call a dangerous ballistic missile program
in Iran. A bill passed Thursday could bring sanctions
on Russia or anyone helping the Iranian effort. V-O-
A's David Swan reports.
TEXT: With little debate and no disagreement (98 to
zero), senators approved what they call a powerful
message about transfers of missile parts, technology
or expertise. The measure gives the president the
power to slap penalties on nations or individuals
found to be contributing to Iran's weapons program.
The proposal singles out Russia for special attention.
It would deny certain payments for work on the
international space station unless the Russian space
agency and government take action to stop Russian
entities from aiding Iran. Majority Leader Trent Lott
says Moscow has so far not done enough.
/// LOTT ACT ///
I hope that the administration will make it
clear to Russia and Russian officials at the
highest levels and to the private sector that
this matter is - we view it very seriously.
/// END ACT ///
The bill's supporters reject suggestions the measure
is poorly timed, in light of the recent vote for
reform in Iran's parliamentary elections. Democratic
Senator Joseph Lieberman says the change has not yet
reached the top levels of power in Tehran.
/// LIEBERMAN ACT ///
And the government of Iran continues to be in
the hands of a small group of people who have
unfortunately made Iran a pariah state.
/// END ACT ///
The bill now returns to the House of Representatives
for final action before going on to the White House,
which has backed away from an earlier threat to veto
the bill. (Signed)
NEB/DS/ENE/KL
24-Feb-2000 13:57 PM EDT (24-Feb-2000 1857 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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