AJCommittee Alarmed By New And Dangerous Iranian Missile Developments And By French / Russian / Malaysian Oil Deal With Iran

American Jewish Committee
Wednesday, 1 October 1997

The American Jewish Committee is alarmed by reports that Iran, with the assistance of sophisticated Russian technology, is accelerating development of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of delivering chemical, biological and other warheads to Israel and other states in the region.

Unfortunately, this dangerous strategic threat is being ignored or minimized by some of the same nations that refused to act against the Iraqi threat in the 1980's. Are we destined to repeat the errors and miscalculations of recent history?

The American Jewish Committee has for several years been alerting policy makers in Europe, Asia and elsewhere of the developing strategic threat posed by Iran. Through meetings abroad and in New York, the AJC has emphasized that business as usual with Iran allows the dangers to grow. During the current UN General Assembly, AJC leaders have emphasized our concerns over these developments to the Chinese, French, German, Australian, and other foreign ministers especially European Union members.

In addition, the recent signing by the French oil company, in partnership with Russian and Malaysian firms, of a two billion dollar oil investment deal with Iran adds to our concern.

In August 1996, President Clinton took the lead with necessary and courageous legislation to isolate countries, such as Iran and Libya, which he accurately described as "the most dangerous supporters of terrorism in the world." He could not have been more correct when he said, "You cannot do business with countries that practice commerce with you by day while funding or protecting the terrorists who kill you and your innocent civilians by night." It is most unfortunate that European and Asian leaders continue "business as usual" with the Iranian government.

In conjunction with the opening of the 52nd General Assembly of the United Nations, AJC leaders are meeting with Foreign Ministers from more than 40 nations. High on the agenda at these meetings, including those already held with the French, other EU, Indian and Chinese ministers, is the issue of relations with Iran and the growing strategic threat it poses.

In addition, AJC has recently disseminated major reports on Iran, including "Business As Usual? Western Policy Options Toward Iran" and "Chinese Arms and Technology Transfers to Iran." For copies of these publications, write to Dan Larson, American Jewish Committee, Publications Department, 165 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022, or fax your request to (212) 319-0975. Visit our website at www.ajc org.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org