US Senate Panel Approves Iran Sanctions Legislation | Voice of America - English
A U.S. Senate panel has approved legislation that would tighten sanctions against Iran in an effort to press that country to halt its uranium enrichment program.   The bill would also increase pressure on Russia as well as U.S.
Thebill approved by the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday would include anew ban on the export of  U.S.-made aircraft parts to Iran and would nolonger allow the import of Iranian carpets, caviar, nuts and driedfruit to the United States. The bill, which still needs to beconsidered by the full Senate, would continue to allow food, medicineand other humanitarian assistance to be sent to Iran. Themeasure would bar the U.S. from granting export licenses fornuclear-related goods and services to Russia until the Presidentcertifies that Russia has suspended nuclear assistance and arms salesto Iran. It would impose penalties against U.S. companies if theirforeign subsidiaries do business with Iran. The legislation alsowould require the United States to reduce its contributions to theWorld Bank if the organization continues to provide loans to Iran. Inaddition, the measure would establish exchange programs betweenAmericans and Iranians, and would require that the U.S. government-runPersian language network, Radio Farda, devote a greater percentage ofits broadcasts to news and analysis. Democrats and Republicans alike praised the bill. Senator Ron Wyden said the sponsors of the measure struck the right balance. "I think you have introduced a package of sanctions on Iran that is both tough and smart," he said. SenatorGordon Smith, an Oregon Republican, believes sanctions will be moreeffective in pressuring Iran than the threat of military action. President Bush has said the U.S. is keeping all options on the table asit tries to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. "I believe in diplomacy," said Smith. "I would rather withhold dollars and Euros than spend bullets and lives." Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Itis not clear when the full Senate will act on the sanctions bill. Other Senate committees are working on their own drafts of thelegislation. The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill.