PHOTO: Courtesy of NYS Assembly
With one of the most important votes in the history of the U.S. Congress drawing near, a bipartisan coalition of 29 members of the Assembly this week made it clear that they do not approve of any deal that would lift international sanctions against Iran, sending a joint letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo urging the continuation of measures passed by the state in 2012 to prevent the “leading terror sponsor” from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Led by Assemblymembers Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) and Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows), the legislators called on the state to keep in place a broad set of sanctions passed in Albany in 2012 designed to prevent access to state contracts for companies doing business in Iran’s nuclear energy sector.
Citing concerns with Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and state sponsorship of terrorism, the letter urges Cuomo to use the state’s “constitutional authority” to impose and maintain sanctions. The legislators tout the state’s recent efforts to impose sanctions against Iran as being crucial to efforts to obtain a better deal from Iran than the currently proposed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated between Iran, the United States and other nations.
“The issue of Iran should be important to everybody,” Goldfeder told The Forum, “not just U.S. security, but the security of the world.”
In the letter, the lawmakers tell Cuomo, “An examination of the agreement with Iran reveals how dangerous it is. The lifting of the restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and the sanctions is not tied to any change in Iran’s behavior. The deal does not require that Iran cease its regional aggression or its worldwide campaign of terrorism.”
Speaking to this newspaper on Tuesday, Goldfeder added that “some misguided actions in Washington are putting the United States at risk.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) opposes the Iran nuclear deal, while the junior Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has come out in favor of it. U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn and Queens) has publically supported the proposed pact.
“Toward the conclusion of the missive, the assemblymembers make their united position clear to Cuomo.
Until such point as Iran ceases its pursuit of nuclear weapons, dismantling its military nuclear program, funding and engaging in terrorism around the world, and committing to release American hostages, the State of New York should not do business with Iran or its business partners. We have concluded that we cannot in good conscience dissolve the sanctions that the State of New York has previously placed.
“We urge you and your Administration to assert its interest and the interest of its people in opposing the Iranian regime and its current egregious policies. We believe in this reasonable and necessary step to further prevent taxpayers from enriching Iran. We do hope for the day when Iran renounces terror, and look forward to extending our hand in friendship to the Iranian people.”
Goldfeder added on Tuesday, “I’m proud to stand up in New York and say ‘We will not waver.’”
By Michael V. Cusenza michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
