LOC22:50
19:50 GMT
WASHINGTON, March 12 (KUNA) -- The actions and policies of the government
of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national
security, foreign policy and economy of the United States, and a national
emergency declared against Iran by President Bill Clinton in 1995 must be
extended, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday in a letter to Congress.
"The crisis between the United States and Iran resulting from the actions
and policies of the government of Iran has not been resolved," Obama said in
the letter. "The actions and policies of the government of Iran are contrary
to the interests of the United States in the region and continue to pose an
unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy and
economy of the United States."
"For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the
national emergency declared with respect to Iran and to maintain in force
comprehensive sanctions against Iran to deal with this threat," it said.
Obama has made or extended national emergency declarations against Iran
eight times since he became President -- once in 2010, twice in 2011 and five
times last year. (end)
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