Cambridge, Massachusetts — January 16, 2016 — In response to today’s announcement that all parties (The United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France, plus Germany — the P5 + 1), including Iran, have implemented their responsibilities under the agreement reached last July 14 that has significantly rolled back Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions against the country, Cole Harrison, executive director of Massachusetts Peace Action (state affiliate of the largest peace group in the U.S., founded on abolishing nuclear weapons) made the following statement:
“Implementation of the deal will reassure those who feared Iran might build a nuclear bomb. It eliminate unjust sanctions which have seriously harmed the Iranian people. It creates a promising new climate for reconciliation and respect between Iran, the Middle East, and the West.
“The deal shows that diplomacy, not sanctions and war, are the path to resolve differences in international relations.
“We should apply this lesson and continue diplomacy to bring about a cease-fire in Syria and achieve a political solution to end its civil war. The Administration should stop bombing and sending arms.
“Just as we succeeded in negotiating with Iran without preconditions, the U.S. should re-enter the six-party talks with North Korea and drop our demand of preconditions for continued dialogue.
“This success shows that excessive Pentagon spending and modernization of U.S. nuclear weapons are counter-productive. The resources used on them should be channeled into diplomacy, humanitarian and development aid, and jobs, housing, education, and a green economy for the American people.”
Massachusetts Peace Action is the state affiliate of Peace Action, the largest U.S. grassroots peace organization.
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