U.S. President extends sanctions against IranMarch 13, 2009 - 18:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Barack Obama: the actions and policies of the government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing and unusual and extraordinary threat.U.S. President Barack Obama has extended sanctions against Iran for one year, saying it continues to pose a threat to U.S. national security, BBC reports. In a message to the U.S. Congress, Mr Obama said Iran was acting contrary to US interests in the region. The sanctions, which ban U.S. companies from investing or trading with Iran, have been renewed annually since 1995. The U.S. fears Iran's nuclear program is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny. Enriched uranium can be used in nuclear power plants, but can also be used to make atomic weapons. Although the Obama administration is reviewing its policy towards Iran, not extending the sanctions would have constituted a major break with the past. Iran faces other punishing international measures, including three sets of UN sanctions, over its refusal to freeze its uranium enrichment activities. The U.S. sanctions against Iran would have lapsed without Mr Obama's formal notice of renewal. "The actions and policies of the government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing and unusual and extraordinary threat," Mr Obama's message to Congress said. Mr Obama has talked of engagement with Iran but has not made clear how that might take place. Shortly after coming to office in January, Mr Obama said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us". 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |