[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               BIPARTISAN IRAN DIPLOMATIC ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, the U.N. Security Council has voted five 
times highlighting the violations of Iran, a party to the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty, for its uranium enrichment activities.
  According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as of 
January 31, 2009, Iran has produced more than 1,000 kilograms of low-
enriched uranium hexafluoride, which is 30 percent higher than previous 
IAEA estimates.
  If we are serious about stopping the emergence of a nuclear Iran, our 
window for effective diplomacy is starting to close.
  Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is a strong proponent of 
``enhanced diplomacy.'' History teaches that negotiations in the 
absence of effective sanctions are likely to fail. Negotiations 
following effective sanctions are likely to succeed.
  When it comes to Iran, we already know the most effective sanction: a 
gasoline restriction.
  A close look at Iran's economy reveals a significant weakness. This 
top OPEC nation lacks the required refining capacity to meet domestic 
demand for fuel and must import some 40 percent of its gasoline.
  That's right: Iran depends on foreign gasoline.
  Nearly all of Iran's imported gasoline is provided by just five 
European companies--the Swiss firm Vitol, the Swiss/Dutch firm 
Trafigura, the French firm Total, the Swiss firm Glencore, and British 
Petroleum. The majority of tankers carrying gasoline to Iran are 
insured by Lloyds of London. An interruption in the supply of gasoline 
to Iran would considerably impact the Iranian economy and significantly 
bolster diplomatic initiatives.
  Just last year, then-Senator Obama suggested ``banning the export of 
refined petroleum to Iran,'' and said such a restriction ``starts 
changing their cost benefit analysis'' and ``starts putting the squeeze 
on them.''
  That is why I am joining with Congressman Brad Sherman in introducing 
the bipartisan Iran Diplomatic Enhancement Act of 2009, which would 
extend current sanctions to any activity--including production, 
brokerage, insurance, and tanker delivery services--that contributes to 
Iran's ability to import gasoline or refine petroleum domestically.
  Only from a position of strength can we expect diplomacy to succeed. 
A restriction of gasoline deliveries to Iran offers the best chance to 
stop Iran's uranium enrichment program using the soft power of the 
United States and our allies.

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