  U.S. temporarily lifts Iran sanctions for quake relief efforts August 22, 2012 - 19:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States has said it will temporarily lift sanctions for U.S.-based non-governmental organizations that want to send financial aid to help Iran's earthquake relief effort, BBC News reported. Until now U.S. sanctions allowed food and medicines to be sent to Iran for humanitarian reasons, but not money. Iran initially declined outside aid after two strong quakes hit its northwest, killing at least 300 people. Tehran has been criticized for responding slowly to the disaster. The U.S. Department of Treasury order comes after several US-Iranian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) pressed the White House to lift restrictions on sending money so that they could support charities on the ground. The U.S. has imposed heavy sanctions on Iran because of its nuclear program, which Washington suspects is aimed at building a nuclear weapon. Tehran has always denied these accusations, insisting that it is developing nuclear technology for civilian purposes such as energy production. Current U.S. sanctions on Iran are meant to target Iranian officials and institutions, particularly those that Washington regards as directly involved in Iran's nuclear program.   Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".   Partner news |  Latest news Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn  City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices.Armenia parliament to consider draft proposal on impeachment June 17 The Armenian Parliament will hold an extraordinary session on June 17 to consider a draft proposal on the resignation of the government.Armenia to send Deputy Foreign Minister to Berlin’s Ukraine Recovery Conference Georgia will attend the forum at the level of Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, while Azerbaijan will send their Foreign Minister.About 173 million drams and more than 30 beneficiary funds. "The Power of One Dram" is 4 years old In June 2020, the exclusive joint corporate social responsibility initiative of Idram and IDBank "The Power of One Dram" was launched. |
