Committee News

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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Ros-Lehtinen Says Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with Russia is Reward Moscow Does Not Deserve

(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the announcement that the proposed agreement between the United States and Russia permitting the transfer of nuclear materials, technology, and information from the U.S. to Russia has been submitted to the Congress for review. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“This agreement is sending the wrong message, at the wrong time, to the wrong actors. It is rewarding Russia for its ongoing efforts to assist Iranian proliferation and prevent tough UN sanctions on Iran.


“Taking a quick look at Russian policy toward Iran should stop proponents of this agreement in their tracks. In addition to serving as Iran’s protector on the UN Security Council, Moscow has aided Iran’s nuclear development, sold it missiles and advanced conventional weapons, and refuses to take the necessary steps to ensure that its citizens are not helping Iran’s nuclear program.


“Previous administrations have been unable to certify that Russia is cooperating fully to stop nuclear assistance to Iran. Now, despite requirements in U.S. law, the Congress is being kept in the dark about ongoing Russian activities that run contrary to U.S. efforts to stop Iranian proliferation.


“By trading this agreement for Russian support for a weak, meaningless round of Iran sanctions at the UN Security Council, the U.S. has severely hampered its own efforts to isolate the Iranian regime.”


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