July 09, 2008

DODD STATEMENT ON IRAN MISSILE FIRING

Washington, DC – Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement in response to reports that Iran test-fired nine missiles, some of which could reach Israel and other nations in the region:
“These reports underscore the danger that Iran’s weapons program poses to its neighbors, while increasing concern about its refusal to cooperate with the international community.  To ensure peace and stability in this region, the Iranian government must stand down its nuclear efforts, its support for international terrorism, and its threats to its neighbors.  Unfortunately, Iran’s leaders have given no reason to believe they will change their disruptive behavior without additional diplomatic and economic pressure. 
“Our approach now should include imposing tough additional sanctions on Iran, authorizing investors to divest from companies operating in Iran’s key oil sector, and taking other steps to provide leverage to U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to force Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.  I intend to move legislation through the Banking Committee in the coming days that will strengthen America’s leadership in the effort to economically isolate and pressure Iran to end its nuclear program and to cooperate with the international community.”
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