Lieberman Praises South Korea's Global Leadership on Iran Sanctions

Statement

Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (ID-CT) issued the following statement today in response to the new sanctions announced by the Republic of Korea (ROK) against the Government of Iran.

"I applaud the Government of the Republic of Korea for the principled set of sanctions it announced today in response to Iran's continued violation of its international nonproliferation obligations. I know that this was not an easy or cost-free decision for the ROK government, either politically or economically. But it is precisely Seoul's willingness to shoulder rather than shirk its international responsibilities that confirms the Republic of Korea's emergence as a global leader.

"For our part, I hope that the leadership shown today by our Korean allies will be remembered here in Congress in the months ahead, in particular as we work with Seoul to address other shared challenges, such as the threat posed by North Korea, and as we seek to move forward with the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

"In adopting these sanctions, Korea joins the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, Canada, and other responsible nations in a growing global consensus that is putting an end to business-as-usual with the Iranian regime. Countries and companies that stand outside this global consensus should be aware of the heightened risks they are running -- both in terms of their global reputations, and the possibility they could be targeted as the Obama administration aggressively enforces U.S. sanctions.

"In particular, Korea's global leadership on Iran sanctions -- coupled with the tough new measures announced last week by the Japanese government -- injects fresh urgency to concerns about the conduct of the People's Republic of China. Chinese companies have unfortunately in the past been allowed by their government to pursue their commercial self-interest in Iran, exploiting the restraint of other countries. Congress and the Obama administration should in the months ahead carefully scrutinize whether Chinese trade and investment in Iran are expanding. If this trend continues, China will isolate itself from the responsible international community in Asia and around the world. Such conduct should also trigger the enforcement of sanctions required under the new legislation recently passed by Congress."

Source