PAAIA Welcomes Congressional Letter Supporting Diplomacy with Iran
May 7, 2015, Washington, D.C. – Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter today to President Barack Obama, expressing support for diplomatic efforts to curtail Iran’s nuclear program. The letter was authored by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), David Price (D-NC), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), and signed by 150 members of Congress. Signatories include senior members of the House Democratic caucus, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Assistant to the Speaker Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
The letter urges the administration to “stay on course” and makes the case that U.S. negotiators need the time and space to build on the progress made in the political framework agreement and turn it into a long-term settlement.
“We must pursue diplomatic means to their fullest and allow the negotiations to run their course – especially now that the parties have announced a strong framework – and continue working to craft a robust and verifiable Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by June 30,” the letter states.
It also highlights the concerns of lawmakers about the potential ramifications if the U.S. was to abandon negotiations or cause there collapse. “The multilateral sanctions regime that brought Iran to the table would likely collapse and the Iranian regime would likely decide to accelerate its nuclear program, unrestricted and unmonitored. Such developments could lead us to war.”
As an organization that represents the Iranian American community, PAAIA supports efforts to pursue a peaceful resolution to the decade-long stalemate over Iran’s nuclear program. We recognize the importance of ensuring that Iranian Americans are well informed and aware of the positions held by their elected officials and others related to this matter.
Click here to read the full letter to President Obama and its signees.
Click here for easily accessible information about the on–going nuclear negotiations between Iran and the members of the P5+1.
