Congressman Lacy Clay: "As the sanction resolution is being pulled together, the U.S is gradually backing away from a 2007 National Intelligence Estimate. It is using new evidence to revise and in some cases reverse conclusions from that estimate which came to the much disputed conclusion, that while Iran had stepped up its production of nuclear fuel, its leadership has suspended its work on the devices and warhead design needed to actually have a weapon."
NCRI – At a Congressional briefing on Thursday, June 10, several members of the U.S. House of Representatives emphasized the need for the continued U.S. protection of Camp Ashraf in Iraq. The bi-partisan call was made in light of the announcement by the United States military that the U.S. intends to evacuate Camp Grizzly in Ashraf and turn it over to the Iraqi Security Forces by July 1st. Many members at the briefing, which coincided with the anniversary of the uprising in Iran, also called for the removal of Iran's main opposition, the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), from the State Department's list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO). The following is the text of speech by Congressman Lacy Clay(D-MO).
I’m proud to join our colleagues, especially as we introduce this resolution today. As a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King, he put it best when he said injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. So there’s injustice in Tehran is a threat to our justice here in the United States.
Let’s talk about this upcoming vote on new sanctions against Iran only days away. The Obama administration is making the case to members of the U.N Security Council that Iran has revived elements of its program to design nuclear weapons that American intelligence agencies previously concluded had gone dormant.
The new resolution focuses on three targets; the Iranian revolutionary guards, the powerful military force with vast business interests, Iran’s shipping industry and some of its commercial enterprises including banks.
As the sanction resolution is being pulled together, the U.S is gradually backing away from a 2007 National Intelligence Estimate. It is using new evidence to revise and in some cases reverse conclusions from that estimate which came to the much disputed conclusion, that while Iran had stepped up its production of nuclear fuel, its leadership has suspended its work on the devices and warhead design needed to actually have a weapon.
According to a senior administration official the revised case to the Security Council members made the point that the Iranians are doing both dual use research and some things that you can explain only by an interest in nuclear weapons. Some of the new information appeared to have come from Shahram Amiri, a 32 year old Iranian scientist who is believed to have been involved in some nuclear projects. Mr. Amiri disappeared last year while on a religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Western officials have confirmed that he is providing information but will not confirm reports that he is now living in United States.
I have constantly spoken out for human rights and against the brutality and oppression of the current Iranian regime. And I will continue to strongly oppose Iran’s obvious efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and the means to deliver it.
The reform movement in Iran is growing and the young people are leading it. It cannot be turned back and the genie cannot be put back into the bottle.
And I continue to believe that freedom for Iran is not a question of if; it is a question of when? We also thank you for your friendship, and support you and stand with you and the brave Iranian people who are destined to be free.
Thank you very much.