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03-Jul-2010
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT SIGNING OF IRAN SANCTIONS ACT
East Room
6:30 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Please have a seat, everybody. Good evening, everybody. As President, one of my highest national security priorities is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. That's why my administration has aggressively pursued a comprehensive agenda of non-proliferation and nuclear security.
Leading by example, we agreed with Russia to reduce our nuclear arsenals through the New START Treaty ---- and I've urged the Senate to move forward with ratification this year. And with allies and partners, we've strengthened the global non-proliferation regime, including the cornerstone of our efforts ----the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Now, in the entire world, there is only one signatory to the NPT ---- only one ---- that has been unable to convince the International Atomic Energy Agency that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. One nation. And that nation is Iran. For years, the Iranian government has violated its commitments, defied United Nations Security Council resolutions, and forged ahead with its nuclear program ---- all while supporting terrorist groups and suppressing the aspirations of the Iranian people.
Since taking office, I've made it clear that the United States was prepared to begin a new chapter of engagement with the Islamic Republic of Iran. We offered the Iranian government a clear choice. It could fulfill its international obligations and realize greater security, deeper economic and political integration with the world, and a better future for all Iranians. Or it could continue to flout its responsibilities and face even more pressure and isolation.
To date, Iran has chosen the path of defiance. That's why we have steadily built a broader and deeper coalition of nations to pressure the Iranian government. Last month, we joined with our partners at the U.N. Security Council to pass the toughest and most comprehensive multilateral sanctions that the Iranian government has ever faced. (Applause.) And I want to specifically single out our tireless -- and I mean tireless -- Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, for her terrific -- (applause.)
As I said last month, we are going to make sure that these sanctions are vigorously enforced. At the same time, we'll work with our allies and friends to refine and enforce our own sanctions on Iran. And that's exactly what we've been doing. Here in the United States ---- thanks to the efforts of my Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, and Under Secretary Stuart Levey ---- (applause) -- they have been terrific on this effort; Stuart has been just outstanding -- we have imposed sanctions against more institutions, more individuals involved with Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Other nations are now acting alongside us -- nations like Australia, which announced new sanctions, including those against a major Iranian bank and Iran's shipping company. The European Union is moving ahead with additional strong measures against Iran's financial, banking, insurance, transportation, and energy sectors, as well as Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Other countries, like Canada, have indicated they will also be taking action. In other words, we are ratcheting up the pressure on the Iranian government for its failure to meet its obligations.
And today, we're taking another step ---- a step that demonstrates the broad and bipartisan support for holding Iran accountable. I'm pleased to sign into law the toughest sanctions against Iran ever passed by the United States Congress ---- the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. (Applause.)
I want to thank all the members of Congress who worked on behalf of this legislation, including another tireless person, but who never seems to break a sweat -- the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. (Applause.) I want to thank Representatives Steny Hoyer and Eric Cantor for doing outstanding work. (Applause.) Although they weren't able to join us, I want to acknowledge Senators Harry Reid, Jon Kyl and Richard Shelby. And I want to thank those who led the effort to forge a final bill that received overwhelming bipartisan support ---- Senator Chris Dodd and Representative Howard Berman. Thank you for your good work. (Applause.)
Consistent with the Security Council mandate, this legislation strengthens existing sanctions, authorizes new ones and supports our multilateral diplomatic strategy to address Iran's nuclear program. It makes it harder for the Iranian government to purchase refined petroleum and the goods, services and materials to modernize Iran's oil and natural gas sector. It makes it harder for the Revolutionary Guards and banks that support Iran's nuclear programs and terrorism to engage in international finance. It says to companies seeking procurement contracts with the United States government ---- if you want to do business with us, you first have to certify that you're not doing prohibited business with Iran.
In short, with these sanctions ---- along with others ---- we are striking at the heart of the Iranian government's ability to fund and develop its nuclear program. We're showing the Iranian government that its actions have consequences. And if it persists, the pressure will continue to mount, and its isolation will continue to deepen. There should be no doubt ---- the United States and the international community are determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Finally, even as we increase pressure on the Iranian government, we're sending an unmistakable message that the United States stands with the Iranian people as they seek to exercise their universal rights. This legislation imposes sanctions on individuals who commit serious human rights abuses. And it exempts from our trade embargo technologies that allow the Iranian people to access information and communicate freely. In Iran and around the world, the United States of America will continue to stand with those who seek justice and progress and the human rights and dignity of all people.
So, again, this is not a day that we sought ---- but it is an outcome that was chosen by the Iranian government when it repeatedly failed to meet its responsibilities. And the government of Iran still has a choice. The door to diplomacy remains open. Iran can prove that its intentions are peaceful. It can meet its obligations under the NPT and achieve the security and prosperity worthy of a great nation.
It can have confidence in the Iranian people and allow their rights to flourish. For Iranians are heirs to a remarkable history. They are renowned for their talents and their contributions to humanity. Here in the United States, Iranian-Americans have thrived. And within Iran, there's great potential for the Iranian people to forge greater prosperity through deeper integration with the international community, including with the United States.
That's the future we do seek --- one where Iran's leaders do not hold their own people back by failing to live up to Iran's international obligations, and where Iran can reclaim its place in the community of nations and find greater peace and prosperity.
That is the Iranian government's choice. And it remains our hope that they choose this path, even as we are clear-eyed and vigilant about the difficult challenges ahead.
So, with that, I will sign this legislation into law.
(The bill is signed.)
END 6:40 P.M. EDT
RECENT COMMENTS
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Ghormeh Sabzi
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Fri Jul 09, 2010 05:00 AM PDTI agree with COP. While I personally favor Gheimeh, Gormeh Sabzi is deeply ingrained in our identity. I would never insult any Persian dish by associating it with Mullahs. The proper food for Mullah is "Soosmar va Shire Shotor". They don't deserve Persian food because they are Tazi wannabees.
you begged for it
by Niloufar Parsi on Fri Jul 09, 2010 01:50 AM PDT"The simple fact is that without an expensive enforcement mechanism, such as a naval blockade, these sanctions efforts will likely end up having very little strategic impact on Iranian decision-making when it comes to the nuclear question. At the very least, they allow the U.S. administration and the Europeans to buy time and give the illusion that they are addressing the Iranian nuclear problem beyond the rhetoric while causing some political heartburn in Tehran. In the meantime, the smuggling arena in the energy industry will have undergone a massive expansion."
narmaki ...ghorme sabzi on the plane?
by Cost-of-Progress on Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:16 AM PDTplease do not associate ghorme sabzi with politics of mullahs and Islamism. The food is the hallmark of being Persian and one of the most delicious dishes around. These people are everything but Persian.
As far as I'm concerned, none of these Islamists is entitled to eating this (if well-made) delicious dish. These maggots who support the Islamist cancer in iran ARE NOT IRANIANS no matter what they think.
They know who they are.
____________
IRAN FIRST
____________
IRI support
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Thu Jul 08, 2010 06:14 AM PDTI think support for IRI is rapidly fading even amongst those who once did. People change and so does their points of view. From two years ago the IRI has devolved from a partial democracy to a complete military dictatorship. It is 100% anti Iranian and rotten to core. There was a turning point at the "election". When AN stole the presidency it was over.
Therefore we should give everyone the benefit of the doubt. They have a right to change and recognize the devolution. In fact we need everyone. We need even the sane Islamists.
obama
by narmaki on Wed Jul 07, 2010 09:14 PM PDTlooks like you support IRI and you are ashamed to admit it. i read your comments and you attack everybody you disagree with calling them zionist and jews. it is not your business what people say or support. this is america not molla land. if you dont like it, back to ghom and make sure to wear your chador or you wouldnt get your ghorme sabzi on the plane.
VPK, why do you respond on behalf of .....
by obama on Wed Jul 07, 2010 08:40 PM PDTfred, and the rest who admit they are zionists? As you noticed they didn't respond, since they know they cannot hide! My post was not about you!
I don't question YOUR patriotism. In fact, I agree with you in this aspect. Yes, I wouldn't even take my family to Iran today, let alone moving there. I wouldn't want my family wear chador!
Obama
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Wed Jul 07, 2010 04:51 AM PDTJust because we don't agree with you does not mean we are not patriotic. Going back is not a big deal we all do that once in a while. But I want to move back. We need a decent government in Iran without Islamic garbage. Then I will move back and move my kids.
Until then I am not going to a place where filthy Islamists stone women.
VPK
Re: Rosie jon, the old days we were all patriotic Iranians here!
by obama on Tue Jul 06, 2010 10:33 PM PDTToday, everyday you see a new name popping out such fred, fool..., and many more who are here because they have their own agenda. They are either zionists, MKO, US/israeli agents who are doing their propaganda for US/Israeli policies (either they are being paid or not), and all those pro this and anti that!
Mostly,don't really care for iran and they have no intention of going back! That's why you have those traitors who are advocating the bombing of our beloved country! They just type BS! They are using this site to let out their anger and attack anyone who doesn't agree with them, since that is their agenda, to distract us.
Justice will eventually prevail! Long live Iran! Hell to Iran's enemies!cheers!
Well, it's kind of hard for me to understand
by Rosie. on Tue Jul 06, 2010 10:30 PM PDThow someone who doesn't believe in a Jewish state or homeland, and wants the state of Israel to be dissolved and form an entirely new state could be considered 'pro-Israel' by most standards. But I guess you have your own.
Rosie jaan
by marhoum Kharmagas on Tue Jul 06, 2010 06:46 PM PDTMy list included pro Israeli, and I don't think considering you a pro Israeli is far from the truth or bad. I have plenty of criticism towards Iran but I consider myself pro Iranian. BTW, if I were in Iran I would be considered pro Israeli, as you may have seen (in some of my old posts) I have advocated direct talks with Israel, recognition of Israel, and relation with Israel. As for the others the story is long and my comment is already longer than I would like it to be.
Okay, here's my second post to you, Kharmagas
by Rosie. on Tue Jul 06, 2010 03:04 PM PDTMost of Israeli/pro Israeli/AIPACi bloggers here, come under different names, different level of civility, different level of disguise, with different amount of gantoreh bandi(**), and different political orientation (from Zion the Zionist ... to ET the Trotskist, from Fred the obsessed war lover to Rosie/human being the liberal peaceful {at least seemingly peaceful!}).
Well, I already said I don't know how you came to put me in any of those three categories (Israeli, pro-Israel, pro-AIPAC).. But let's expand on it. Wherever did you get the idea that David is a Trotskyist? He considers himself an Independent, and the ideas of the Left hold little appeal for him.
As for Fred being an obsessed war lover, I haven't read him all that much. I know he's drooling over the strict sanctions.I know he talked in a recent blog about the US providing 'material support' to Iranians. What does he mean? Surgical strikes? Financing Iranians' own rebellion? Both? An invasion? I know he's a very mean person here. But does that mean he loves war? Even if he wants an invasion? Or does he just think it's the only way out for Iran?
Me, I know you're wrong, David I'm almost positive you are, Zion I know you're right. Fred I don't know.
You know, Kharmagas, the problem with a lot of people here is that you categorize too often, too intensely, too dogmatically and too inaccurately. My humble suggestion to any of you who want to build bridges would be :
Stop categorizing each other. Completely. For one month. See how it goes and take it from there.
kharmagas
by humanbeing on Tue Jul 06, 2010 11:51 AM PDTi also wanted to thank you for your outstretched hand of rapprochement, maybe that wasn't so clear in my tone.
ps about rosie's comment, i have lately been thinking about the one-state solution myself and seen some of its positive aspects. i am trying to keep an open mind and reconsider things.
this is why i appreciate open robust respectful dialogue, and hope iranians will benefit from this as well.
Obama,
by Rosie. on Tue Jul 06, 2010 07:23 AM PDTI know you were Goldust, because you said so somewhere the other day. It isn't that I don't like big babies. It's just that over the course of time I like to see them become toddlers. In any case, you still owe me a game of footsie.
//iranian.com/main/blog/rosie-t/so-you-want-be-iranian-day
(You have to go about halfway down the thread, and remember that at that time, Iranians of the Day were mostly positive, and MANY were more intimate, like people sent in by friends for..oh I dunno...having a beautiful garden types of things. All that has changed..to the site's great detriment, imho).
Well, anyway, back to the topic of this thread. Obama, could you please make some comments on Obama's speech? Since you're the one who gave it.
I AM NOT PRO-ISRAEL I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN...PS
by Rosie. on Tue Jul 06, 2010 03:06 PM PDTanything here pro-Israel. However, I have written many things here against the Israeli Regime, including a large number of news submissions during the invasion of Gaza. I believe in a one-state solution Always have, always will.
The name of this state is Ispal. Or Palis. I very much prefer the way the first one sounds.
__________________
Kharmagas, I'm going to write a more detailed post in reply to yours. I just wrote this one to clarify.. Thanks very much for writing it. It's a lovely post.
__________________
PS Kharmagas, hese are the only blogs I ever wrote here concerning Israel. All were written during or right after the invasion of Gaza last year. If you take a look at any of them objectivel, this should be clear //iranian.com/main/blog/rosie-roxy-roshan/zionazis //iranian.com/main/blog/rosie-roxy-roshan/open-question-zion-why-here //iranian.com/main/blog/rosie-roxy-roshan/towards-peaceful-solution-middle-east-0 //iranian.com/main/blog/rosie-roxy-roshan/nazi-state-israel-state-mind-part-i-hiroshima-1
marhoum
by humanbeing on Mon Jul 05, 2010 09:40 PM PDTit's quite challenging with your avatar as well to gauge the outer beauty, but we all agree hafiz wrote beautiful poetry, which reflects a higher form of beauty. (this was in fact my first avatar on i.com)
i hope to work on my moral and civic qualities, and to redouble my tiny efforts to make this a better world -- qualities and efforts which are considered coveted features of inner beauty.
Re: Rosie, I am gol-dust!
by obama on Mon Jul 05, 2010 02:48 PM PDTYou don't like "big babies" anymore? No more cuddle from you, Rosie? I miss your warm and long hugs! oooo ah, oooh ah.....
humanbeing
by marhoum Kharmagas on Mon Jul 05, 2010 12:23 PM PDTThanks for your kind words. I forgot to mention that Israeli/pro Israeli/AIPACis differ in their beauty too, it appears (*) that some are beautiful externally and internally!
(*) With that big hat and sunglasses, it is difficult to make an accurate judgment.
Point of View
by Mamane-Omid on Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:17 AM PDTRedaing comments on this post by Barak Obama, it appears almost entire community is looking to elements outside of themselves. If the PoV is rotated and so we indivually have to make a choice when we ask ourselves:
What is the best way to bring change to Iran?
By:
A) Dealing with the current rulers.
B) Force and/or presuure.
I am thinking about it and would welcome comments about how you feel, although this may be a seperate blog by itself. Oh, well.
Mamane-Omid
KharmagAs besyar Aziz
by khaleh mosheh on Mon Jul 05, 2010 10:07 AM PDTI know you must feel a slight frienship towards me..After all thAt we have been through..
Sincerely your friend Mooshi 'Jaan'.
several points (Moshi "jaan")!
by marhoum Kharmagas on Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:13 AM PDTMoshi says: "Nice to see you bAck old friend. Yet now I just dont get this post of
yours. Were you not claiming to be Jewish and from EsfAhan?.."
Moshi "jaan", several points:
1- I am not and I was never your friend, you represent those "greens" that I am VERY happy they failed miserably last year (while I would have been VERY happy to see Sahimi type of greens succeed)!
2- Many of us Esfahanis are Jews (that is genetically Jew), Jewish influence on our culture is perhaps even stronger than the genetic part of it and to surprise of narrow minded people such as yourself even my Muslim Esfahani buddies are proud of that.
3- Even if I am a full Jew, that would be more reason for me to advocate dialog!
BTW, Why the heck did you put 'Sincerely' at the end of your comment to me!!!!?
(*) Please note that it is "jaan" not jaan
MK
by khaleh mosheh on Mon Jul 05, 2010 08:47 AM PDTNice to see you bAck old friend. Yet now I just dont get this post of yours. Were you not claiming to be Jewish and from EsfAhan?
Please you must write cue cards to keep track of your differing personas. Here is a template..
//www.iworkcommunity.com/content/4x6-cue-cards-0
Sincerely
marhoum
by humanbeing on Mon Jul 05, 2010 08:01 AM PDTvery mature sobre point you made, that you're glad we are here to build bridges, and also that we are not monolithic. i am glad you mention 'seemingly' liberal/peaceful. perhaps i don't come across as sincere because i'm caught up with joking around too much.
but believe me, i am very sincere, almost desperate in my desire for peace and freedom for all in the region. this is serious as hell and we all depend on building bridges, including -- may i say as an outside observer -- among you iranians and yourselves.
Israeli/Pro Isaeli bloggers! (to Rosie)
by marhoum Kharmagas on Mon Jul 05, 2010 07:41 AM PDTRosie said: "...Then you could help build bridges instead of dynamiting them..."
Rosie jaan (*), for once (after a long time) I agree with you.
Most of Israeli/pro Israeli/AIPACi bloggers here, come under different names, different level of civility, different level of disguise, with different amount of gantoreh bandi(**), and different political orientation (from Zion the Zionist ... to ET the Trotskist, from Fred the obsessed war lover to Rosie/human being the liberal peaceful {at least seemingly peaceful!}). Regardless... it is good to see them here, the bridges have to be built and how else can it be done? BTW Rosie jaan, I am the same guy who was making fun of your "Was Rosie" gimmicks!
(*) This time I was not joking when I called you jaan!
(**) Translation: gimmicks
Obama,
by Rosie. on Mon Jul 05, 2010 05:03 AM PDTIf I say something against Israel, or how Obama is controlled by AIPAC, the zionists such fred, fooladi, vpk, etc. would accuse me of IRI supporters! LOL.
If I say something against IRI, I would be accused by Np, etc. as a zionist. then i would have to defend myself for the next few hours, instead of sticking to the issue.
Obama, just say whatever you want and stop losing your cool so much. You don't have to 'defend' yourself. You stick to the issue.
Then you could help build bridges instead of dynamiting them.
And when you really feel a discussion isn't going anywhere, just bow out politely. There'll be more. There'll be other people to discuss with. And it makes a much more powerful statement.
You remind me so much of Ayhab sometimes, Goldust. You know what's right and wrong, but you're such a big baby.
Re: Sanctions
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Mon Jul 05, 2010 04:10 AM PDTI got to agree that AN's handling of economy sucks. It is worse than the sanctions by far.
Now with his removal of subsidies prices will go through the roof. That will get peoples blood boiling and weaken IRI more.
I almost think AN is trying to wreck the IRI. Him and Khamenei could not do a better job undermining it. What do we need an opposition. When AN and Khamenei are the worst enemes of themselves.
US sanctions not be effective if it were not for AN.
Sanctions!
by G. Rahmanian on Mon Jul 05, 2010 03:28 AM PDTThese sanctions are welcome by Iranians who have been waiting for the demise of the murderous regime in Tehran. Obama may be thinking only about America's interests, but these sanctions would certainly weaken the regime and benefit the opposition in their struggles against the militarists and their mullah backers.
The way Ahmadinejad has handled the economy since he came to power most Iranians have nothing to lose.
Iran first! Israel/neocons Iran's No. 1 enemy!
by obama on Sun Jul 04, 2010 07:27 PM PDTThis is not about palestinians anymore. This is about Iran! We are supposed to be human being and care for one another, not hate each other! When I see the racist israeli attitude and the atrocities they cause, I get very digusted knowing they could easily do it to us soon! Their no. 1 goal now is kill iranians using the US power and bombs!
Israel is the biggest problem for us! You want me to shut up? You want to talk about HR rights violations in Iran, but not Israeli atrocities which might soon reach Iran? isn't that what the zionists/israel want, silencing the opposition? No sir, I won't! I love my country too much to be silence about the israeli & IRI atrocities!
If you cannot see the consequence of the israeli policies on our lives inside of Iran, you are not being honest with yourself. Who is behind the US sanctions for the last 30 years? Israel!
if they stay out our business, we can overthrow this regime in no time. Israel ANGOSHT TOO COONEH HAMEH-YEH DONYA MIKONEH! To ignore Israelis atrocities, is to ignore IRI's atrocities as well! We have to speak out against any atrocities, but IRI first! Israel is the life line of IRI and vice versa!
"Obama"
by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Sun Jul 04, 2010 06:18 PM PDTMe a Zionist! What a joke. I am a Iranian nationalist. Not a Zionist and have no use for them. The main complaint I have is the Israel Palestine issue is crowding out Iran.
I have been very critical of Israel supporting MKO .
"If I say something against israel, If I say something agit IRI"
by fooladi on Sun Jul 04, 2010 05:20 PM PDTComplains the reader obama.
I say: For once say something FOR something or someone, instead of against, then you might get a differents reaction.
and cut that crap about Zionists, Israel and the palistinians. Vast majority of Iranians including myself dont give a s**t about any of that. Didnt you hear: Na gaza, na Lobnan..?
I dont think you are an IRI supporter but you seem too pre occupied with Israel palistinian thing. Look, Iran is now under sever economic sanction, the territorial integrity of Iran as a whole is being threathened, and all islamic regime can do is to hang, suppress, murder Iranians, create further division and lead the country towards a disasterous confrontation with the rest of the world. If you are a patriotic iranian as you claim to be, forget about Israel and palestine and focus on Iran, that is all...
Obama. Sie auch?
by Marjaneh on Sun Jul 04, 2010 04:12 PM PDTDieses "Mien " 'Dingelingeling' fing an, nach so langer Zeit, mir auf die Nerven zu geh'n.
Das und dieses (fast) allgemeine, endlos alberne, sinnlose Herumkreischen...
Viel Spass beim Feiern!
"I still have my own teeth. 'Just can't remember where I've put them."