    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 14, 2000]
    [Page 462]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000
    March 14, 2000

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 1883, the ``Iran Nonproliferation
    Act of 2000.''
        I fully share the Congress's objective of promoting nonproliferation
    and combating Iran's efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction
    (WMD) and missile delivery systems. This issue remains at the top of the
    agenda with Russia as well as with other countries whose companies may
    be providing such assistance to Iran. In the case of Russian entities'
    cooperation with Iran, we have imposed penalties ten times in the past
    and stand ready to apply them again whenever necessary.
        The expansive reporting requirements in this bill in many ways
    duplicate existing laws, and my Administration will work with the
    Congress to rationalize these overlapping reporting requirements. We
    will also seek to rationalize the reporting requirements relating to
    certain transfers in instances where those transfers are legal under the
    applicable foreign laws and consistent with the guidelines of the
    applicable multilateral export control regime.
        This bill, as amended, is less problematic than the earlier version
    that passed the House and will not harm our efforts to halt
    international cooperation with Iran's WMD and missile programs.
    Therefore, I have signed H.R. 1883.
        I want to make it clear that Russia continues to be a valued partner
    in the International Space Station (ISS). H.R. 1833 requires certain
    determinations for purchases from Russia related to the ISS, but does
    not affect Russia's important role as an ISS partner. My Administration
    will also continue to work closely with the General Director of the
    Russian Aviation and Space Agency in his role as Special Representative
    on nonproliferation.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    March 14, 2000.

    Note: H.R. 1883, approved March 14, was assigned Public Law No. 106-178.