Press Releases
WEINER URGES CITY PENSION FUNDS TO FOLLOW NEW YORK STATE’S LEAD AND DIVEST FROM INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS WITH IRAN’S ENERGY SECTOR
Washington DC - Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn & Queens) released the following statement today in response to the announcement by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli that the state’s pension funds will divest from companies doing business with Iran’s energy and defense sectors. Earlier this fall, Weiner called on New York State and New York City pension funds to divest of all investments in Iran’s energy sector and released a list of 22 international companies with such investments - and thus helping to support that nation’s exporting of terrorism and its drive for nuclear weapons.
“Investing in Iran is dangerous business and it is immoral. It can only be interpreted as using the retiree savings of New Yorkers to make the next generation’s world less safe.
“I applaud the State Comptroller for taking action to stop the funding of this terrorist state, and I urge the City to quickly follow his lead.”
It is illegal for companies owned by United States interests to invest in Iran’s energy sector, but it is legal for U.S. individuals and funds to invest heavily in foreign entities that have heavy presences in Iran. Among the most familiar names on the Weiner/Klein list released in September is Royal Dutch Shell and Lukoil. Both companies have retail outlets in New York City.
Iran remains the most active state sponsor of terrorism and presents a particular concern because of its continued development of a nuclear weapons program and its efforts to destabilize Iraq. Like other state sponsors of terrorism with WMD programs, Iran could support terrorist organizations seeking to acquire WMD. Further, Iran continues to support the use of terror by Hamas and Hezbollah with extensive funding, training and weapons that are used against Israel. Iran also continues to be unwilling to bring to justice senior Al-Qaeda members that have been detained and resisted numerous calls to transfer custody of these detainees to third parties for interrogation or trial.
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Congressman Anthony D. Weiner
