Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–November 24, 2013 – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on President Obama’s Announcement on the First Step Agreement on Iran’s Nuclear Program:
“Yesterday’s deal is an important step toward preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons capability, and a major win for U.S. national security.
“The agreement freezes Iran’s nuclear program for six months, and rolls back certain parts of the program. As the President said last night, the agreement cuts off the Iranians’ most likely paths to a bomb. It ensures that inspectors will have robust and daily access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, so we will know faster than ever if Tehran attempts to cheat on the deal. It was achieved through strong U.S. leadership and coordination with our international partners, bolstering our international standing and credibility. And, perhaps most importantly, it grants Iran only modest relief, leaving the strong sanctions passed by Congress in place, ensuring that we maintain our leverage.
“Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons capability. I strongly believe that a nuclear Iran poses an unacceptable threat to the United States and our allies. I supported President Obama’s efforts to explore whether the election of President Rouhani was an opportunity for renewed diplomacy, and yesterday’s deal is a critical step toward using diplomacy to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions and also to ensure compliance from Iran at every step.
“This agreement is an important step toward our goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In the coming days, weeks, and months, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the Iranians abide by their commitments, while we continue to seek a long-term answer that ensures Iran will never have nuclear weapons capability.”
Source: schakowsky.house.gov
