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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
US sanctions seven companies for dealing with Iran
2006-08-05
The Bush administration has imposed sanctions against seven foreign companies, including two from India and two from Russia, after accusing them of business dealings with Iran involving sensitive technology, the government said Friday.

“Under the sanctions, the federal government is prohibited from dealing with any of the seven companies...”
The action comes at a sensitive time for the Bush administration, which is trying to push through Congress its plan to sell civilian nuclear technology to India. In addition, the United States is trying to enlist Moscow's help to pressure Iran and North Korea to abandon their nuclear programs. Tensions between the United States and Iran are running high over Teheran's nuclear effort and its support for Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia at war with Israel in southern Lebanon. The seven businesses, which also included two from North Korea and one from Cuba, were found to be in violation of the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000. The law is aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction to Teheran.

Under the sanctions, the federal government is prohibited from dealing with any of the seven companies. The sanctions also suspend any current export licenses to the foreign entities for certain products considered sensitive under a 1979 law and prohibits issuance of new licenses.
Posted by:Fred

#1  NEW DELHI: Balaji Amines, a chemical company blacklisted by the US for dealings with Iran, disputed American claims saying it had not supplied any product that could be used in the weapons of mass destruction.

"We have not supplied any products which fall under the Schedule I, II and II of Chemicals Weapons Convention Act to Iran. We have supplied only three products which are used in making life saving anti-biotics," Secunderabad-based Balaji Amines Director Commercial D Ram Reddy said.

Officials of the other company, Mumbai-based Prachi Poly Products which was also sanctioned by the US could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Balaji Amines had supplied three chemicals triethyleamide, diethylyamide and diethyleacetamide used in the manufacture of ampicillin, amoxyciline and cephalaxin to Iran's Zakaria Tabriz Pharmaceutical and Chemical Co and Antibiotic Sazi Iran.

"Even that supply also we have stopped since December 2005 after an intimation from the external affairs ministry," he added.

Asked if these products could be be used in any way for development of any weapons of mass destruction, Reddy replied in the negative.

"The only other usage is as a foundry chemical," he said, adding that many European companies still continue to supply the same chemicals to Iran.

Reddy said while the company was more concerned about the blame, it wanted New Delhi to support the domestic industry.

"More than our business we are more worried about the blame as we are a company which has consistently complied with all regulations," he added.
Posted by: john   2006-08-05 13:42  

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