U.S. ready "to lift Iran sanctions in January"December 18, 2015 - 10:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States appears poised to lift at least some sanctions against Iran — possibly as early as January, the Associated Press reports. Secretary of State John Kerry said in a letter to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Iran is fulfilling its obligations under the international agreement in what Kerry calls a "transparent" and "verifiable" way, and that "suspension of sanctions ... is appropriate." The committee's top Democrat, Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, said at a hearing Thursday, December 17, that it appears that sanctions relief could start as early as January, not in the spring as initially anticipated. Cardin said that throughout the congressional review of the nuclear deal, witnesses for the administration guessed that it would be spring until Iran could comply with the terms required for that relief to begin. The deal involving the United States, Iran and five other world powers would curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for giving Iran access to billions in frozen assets and oil revenue. "Now we understand it is likely that Iran will be in compliance and entitled to sanctions relief as early as January," Cardin said at the hearing where Obama administration officials were questioned about the deal. "Obviously, we want them to comply — don't get me wrong," Cardin said. "But why did we misjudge so badly the date that is likely for compliance?" Stephen Mull, the State Department's lead coordinator for implementation of the deal, agreed that some administration officials had speculated that it would take until the spring. But he said the pacing of compliance is in Iran's hands. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |