Lowey Supports Strong Sanctions on Iran

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), Chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, today released the following statement regarding House passage of the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act and remarks of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the United Nations General Assembly:

“I am pleased that the House today acted to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions through tougher sanctions. By restricting international assistance and imposing stiff penalties on those who would help this rogue nation acquire weapons, Congress takes an important step toward addressing the threat to international peace that Iran poses.

“President Ahmadinejad’s outrageous rhetoric and continued support for terrorist organizations incite and encourage those who seek to destroy Israel and undermine international stability.

“Instead of condemning terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and the Shiite militias who target American troops in Iraq, President Ahmadinejad defended their actions and blamed others for their violence. Instead of embracing the most basic human rights and rights for women, he falsely denied abuses in his country. Instead of cooperating with efforts to bring transparency to Iran’s nuclear program, he rebuked the United Nations Security Council. Instead of recognizing the right of Israel to exist and of her citizens to live in peace with their neighbors, he reproached them, and he continued his refusal to acknowledge the Holocaust.

“I urge the United Nations to use all tools at its disposal to make it clear that the world community will not tolerate Iran’s dangerous misbehavior.”