SWC Expresses Concern Over Proposals to Strengthen Commercial Relations Between Argentina and Iran

December 28, 2007

SWC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN COMMERCIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN ARGENTINA AND IRAN
 
The Simon Wiesenthal Center expressed concern following an article published in Buenos Aires daily Página/12, stating that the Argentine government is considering re-establishing commercial relations with Iran, in the framework of the search for foreign investment.
 
In a letter to Alberto Fernández, Chief of Staff for Inter-Ministerial Coordination, Shimon Samuels (Director for International Relations of the SWC) and Sergio Widder (Latin American Representative), stated that “according to the above mentioned source, the Argentine authorities received a proposal by political extremist leader Luis D’Elia to promote Iranian funding for the initial capital of the regional Banco del Sur (Bank of the South).” The article also refers to the close commercial ties between Argentine Senator Roberto Urquía (former Chair of the Senate’s Friends of Iran) and Tehran, as well as the intention of north-eastern province of Chaco to establish Iranian industrial developments in its territory.
 
Samuels noted, “the Argentinian justice presented serious charges against high level Iranian officials, including former President Hasemi Rafsanjani and former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, for their involvement in the terrorist attack against the AMIA. In view of this precedent, it is appropriate to question what measures have been or are to be taken to prevent the abuse of Argentine territory to serve as a platform for terrorism and Islamic fundamentalism in Latin America. This is especially sensitive given the geographical proximity between Chaco and the Triple Frontier, an enclave connected with the AMIA bombing and also an alleged source of funding for Iran sponsored terrorist groups such as Hizbollah and Hamas.”
 
“The Argentine administration, since 2003, led by former President Néstor Kirchner and current President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, has clearly indicated a political will to bring to justice those responsible for the AMIA bombing. Furthermore, Argentina denounced Iran’s involvement and cover up to the UN General Assembly. Normalization of commercial relations with Iran, before having justice served, would be an offense not only to the memory of the victims of the terrorist attack, but to all Argentine citizens who wish to see those implicated in this atrocity brought before the bars of justice,” added Widder.
 
“In view of Argentine policy since 2003, we urge the government to remain steadfast to its commitment to truth and justice,” concluded the letter.
 
For further information, please contact Sergio Widder at +5411 4313-4743 or +54911 4425-1306.