| US-Russia Nuclear Deal Not Easy as 1-2-3 |
| Written by Farid Zareie | |
| Friday, 13 June 2008 | |
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Washington DC - "Russia is helping Iran to create missiles that can hit Europe and Israel," said Congressman David Scott (GA-13) expressing his worry during a June 12th hearing titled "Russia, Iran and Nuclear Weapons: Implications of the Proposed U.S.-Russia Agreement." The House Foreign Affairs Committee discussed the proposed deal on US-Russian civilian nuclear cooperation and its possible consequences.
Iran was a central focus during the hearing. Several
lawmakers expressed grave concerns that the so-called "123 Agreement" would be
seen as rewarding Russia for intransigence in dealing with Iran's nuclear
program.
In his opening statement, Chairman Howard Berman said that "one of the greatest potential threats to the security of the United States and its allies is an Iranian bomb." He later added that "Israel's not the only state feeling the heat from Tehran's radioactive rhetoric." Representative Edward Markey presented four arguments against the 123 Agreement: 1) Russia continues to assist Iran's nuclear program, 2) Russia continues to assist Iran's missile program, 3) Russia continues to face US sanctions for missile transfers, and 4) Russia has sold Iran advanced conventional weapons. Markey argued that Russia contravenes US sanctions by assisting Iran with advanced conventional weapons and missile technologies. He cautioned that accepting the 123 Agreement despite Russia's links to Iran would undermine current US sanctions.
"If the Administration cannot make a determination that
Russia is not a proliferator, how can it ask this Congress to allow nuclear
cooperation with Russia?" Markey asked.
Henry D. Sokolski, Executive Director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, backed Markey's view by adding that if the agreement is implemented without requiring Russia to end its cooperation with Iran, the US will seem to endorse such commerce while sanctioning Iran at the same time.
John C. Rood, Acting Undersecretary of State for Arms
Control and International Security, defended the agreement and argued that it
would facilitate a closer relationship with Russia and improve the United
States' ability to address major challenges on nuclear nonproliferation and
nuclear terrorism.
"This is a good solid agreement," said Rood, adding that Russia's knowledge on nuclear technology could benefit US firms commercially. Both Russia and the United States agree on the need for a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear activities, explained Rood, and this agreement facilitates such a solution. Russia currently provides Iran with nuclear fuel for Iran's reactor in Bushehr. The Bush administration does not oppose this type of cooperation because of the proliferation safeguards in place; fuel sent from Russia to Iran cannot be diverted to a covert weapons program. The administration believes the 123 Agreement will encourage further cooperation of this kind between Russia and Iran while also ensuring US security goals.
Congressman David Scott (GA-13) remained skeptical,
however. "I do not trust Russia, and I certainly do not trust Iran. What do we
get out of this deal?," he asked. Rood responded that the 123 Agreement with
Russia will give the US greater insight into Iran's nuclear activities, and
will encourage Russia to cooperate in US national security objectives.
Senior Adviser for the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Robert Einhorn, praised the 123 Agreement by explaining that Russia plays a critical role in stopping Iran's nuclear development. Einhorn also said that the Agreement will not guarantee a breakthrough in dealing with Iran, but a joint venture will give the US and Russia the necessary leverage to resolve the standoff.
In general, Committee members remained skeptical of the
agreement during Thursday's hearing. Congress has a total of ninety days to
decide on the agreement, after which it automatically is adopted. It appears, though, that the Congressional
session will expire before the ninety day mark is reached.
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