The United States will issue temporary licenses to individuals and non-governmental organizations permitting the transfer of funds and export of specialized equipment to aid the victims of the devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, the White House announced December 31, 2003.
The new procedures do not cover such humanitarian relief items as food, certain medicines, clothing, and tents, which do not require a license.
The White House statement directs the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to issue a temporary license to non-governmental organizations operating in Iran, allowing them to transfer funds into the country.
Such organizations can also receive licenses for the export of items such as transportation, communications, and personal computer equipment to Iran.
Iran has long been on the US list of terrorist-supporting nations and President Bush has identified its nuclear program as a top-tier national security concern. US sanctions prohibit a wide range of transactions with Iran, and require US officials to oppose new international lending to Iran. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
