UANI Calls on Maersk and Komatsu to Comply with Sanctions and End Their Business in Iran

July 30, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2010
Contact: Kimmie Lipscomb, [email protected]
Phone: (212) 554-3296

  UANI Calls on Maersk and Komatsu to Comply with Sanctions and End Their Business in Iran

New York, NY -  United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) on Thursday called on Maersk and Komatsu to comply with U.S. sanctions and end their business in Iran.  Maersk and Komatsu are listed on UANI's Iran Business Registry (IBR).  Maersk and Komatsu both conduct business in Iran that contributes to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources.   As a result of this business, both companies are subject to sanctions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 ("CISADA").
 
In a letter to Nils Smedegaard Andersen, the CEO of Maersk Shipping, UANI President, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace wrote:  

Maersk operates two offices in Iran, one in Tehran and one in Bandar Abbas.

Several container terminals operated by Maersk Iran A.S. are service points for imports and exports and also fall under the jurisdiction of CISADA, including the Shaheed Rajee Container Terminal in Bandar Abbas... The Shaheed Rajee Container Terminal is operated by operated by Tidewater Middle East Co. ("Tidewater").

Reports indicate that Tidewater is principally owned and/or controlled by the IRGC, a group designated by the U.S. Department of State as a terrorist entity and that is heavily involved in the development of Iran's nuclear program... These business operations in Iran constitute sanctionable activity covered by CISADA.

CISADA requires companies that do business with the U.S. Government to certify that they do not engage in business in Iran that is subject to sanctions. (CISADA, Section 102, (b)(1), Additional Measure Relating to Government Contracts).  Maersk cannot make such a certification.


In a letter to Kunio Noji, the CEO of Komatsu, UANI President, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace wrote:  

Komatsu Middle East FZE ("KME") has an office in Tehran and has enabled the sale, assembly and manufacture of construction equipment that has been used in Iran's energy sector.

As you may know, the oil and gas sector in Iran is dominated by the IRGC, an entity that is the principal player in Iran's nuclear weapons program and is also on the U.S. State Department's Terrorism List... Komatsu's business dealings in Iran in the oil and gas sector are inappropriate and violate the law.

Unfortunately, Komatsu is likely aiding in the development of Iran's nuclear weapons program through its sale of Komatsu excavation products, including bulldozers, dump trucks, crawler dozers, etc... Please be advised that unless Komatsu ceases its business dealings in Iran, Komatsu will be barred from contracting with the U.S. government. 


UANI calls on Maersk and Komatsu to make a simple choice between doing business in Iran and doing business with the U.S. Government.
 
Click here to send a message to Maersk
Click here to send a message to Komatsu
Click here to read the letter to Maersk.
Click here to read the letter to Komatsu.
Click here to learn more about the Iran Disclosure Project. 

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