Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (Ilsa): Reports of Austrian Investment in Iran

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

April 26, 2001
(Taken Question from 04-25-01 Daily Briefing)

Iran and Libya Sanctions Act (Ilsa):
Reports of Austrian Investment in Iran

QUESTION: There are wire service reports that the Austrian firm OMV
has signed an oil exploration deal with Iran. With the Iran and Libya
Sanctions Act (ILSA) expiring, are we still against these deals?

ANSWER. We have seen such reports and are looking into this matter.
We continue to be deeply concerned about Iran's pursuit of weapons of
mass destruction and missile delivery systems, its support for
terrorism, including for groups violently opposed to middle east peace,
and its poor human rights record.

We continue to oppose investment in Iran's petroleum sector, and the
Iran and Libya Sanctions Act, known as ILSA, remains US law.

QUESTION: But does this deal violate ILSA?

ANSWER: Reports about actions that might involve investment in Iran's
petroleum sector would raise concerns with respect to the Iran and
Libya Sanctions Act. We are looking into this matter.
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