US Lawmakers Urge Trump To Fully Implement CAATSA Sanctions On Russia, Iran - Letter

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2019) President Donald Trump should fully implement sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act as a result of the activities of Iran and Russia in Syria, 400 Us lawmakers said in a letter to the president.

"Increase pressure on Iran and Russia with respect to activities in Syria," the letter said. "America must continue economic and diplomatic efforts to counter Iran's support for Hezbollah and other terrorist groups as well as Russia's support for the brutal Assad regime. We encourage full implementation of sanctions authorized in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a broadly supported bipartisan bill that you signed into law."

The lawmakers expressed concern by the threat posed by terrorists and US adversaries in Syria and recommended steps the United States can take to limit the terrorists' presence, counter adversaries as well as strengthen Israel's security and continue to oppose international efforts to isolate and weaken the Jewish state.

"With the region in flux, it remains critical that we reiterate to both friend and foe in the region that we continue to support Israel's right to defend itself," the letter said.

"We must also look for ways to augment our support in the context of the current ten-year Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Israel and to ensure that Israel has access to the resources and materiel it needs to defend itself against the threats it faces on its northern border."

The lawmakers also urged increasing pressure on Hezbollah by fully implementing the 2015 and 2018 sanctions against the organization and those who fund it.

"Additionally, we must continue to press UNIFIL to carry out its UN Security Council mandate, including investigating and reporting the presence of arms and tunnels on Israel's border," the letter said.

On January 29, 2018, the United States began imposing sanctions on foreign companies under CAATSA Section 231 on all major transactions made with the Russian defense or intelligence sector.

The US Congress passed CAATSA in response to allegations that Russia attempted to influence the 2016 US presidential election. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in the US political system.