DATE=3/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS-IRAN (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-259732
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The U-S Congress has completed action on a
bill that could result in sanctions on nations,
companies, or individuals that help Iran develop
weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.
V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the measure now heads to
the White House for President Clinton's signature.
TEXT: The bill is designed to stop all foreign
support for Iran's advanced weapons program.
It cleared Congress after a lengthy legislative
process. The House of Representatives passed a
stronger bill last year. But in the end, House
members overwhelmingly agreed to substitute a watered-
down version endorsed by the Senate.
The original House bill required the President to
impose sanctions on countries, companies, and
individuals that contribute to Iran's efforts to
develop ballistic missiles and weapons of mass
destruction. But the bill going to the White House
simply gives the president the authority to impose
punishment.
The measure has brought strong statements of
condemnation from Tehran and Moscow. It singles out
Russia for special attention. The bill links further
payments to Russian entities involved in the
International Space Station, to Russian cooperation in
non-proliferation efforts.
Wisconsin Republican James Sensenbrenner chairs the
House Science Committee.
/// SENSENBRENNER ACT ///
The bill holds the Russian government
accountable by preventing payments to the
Russian Aviation and Space Agency if it -
or any of the entities for which it is legally
responsible - is involved in inappropriate
technical assistance to Iran.
/// END ACT ///
As members of the House rose for one last time to
speak about the legislation, there was a rare display
of bipartisanship. Democrats stood strongly with
Republicans. Most echoed the sentiments of
California Democrat Howard Berman.
/// BERMAN ACT ///
I would welcome an improvement in U-S - Iranian
relations. But a constructive and peaceful
bilateral relationship must be based on Iran's
willingness to abandon its quest for weapons of
mass destruction and ballistic missiles, to drop
its efforts to disrupt the Middle East peace
process, and to improve its dismal human rights
record.
///end act///
President Clinton had vowed to veto the original House
bill. But there are strong indications he will sign
the modified version that finally cleared Congress.
(Signed)
NEB/PW/ENE/gm
01-Mar-2000 15:09 PM EDT (01-Mar-2000 2009 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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