UANI Calls on Greek Shipper Victor Restis and EST to Explain the Activities of the African Wildcat / Filia Grace in Iran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2014   Contact: Nathan Carleton, press@uani.com  Phone: (212) 554-3296(212) 554-3296   UANI Calls on Greek Shipper Victor Restis and EST to Explain the Activities of the African Wildcat / Filia Grace in Iran   Restis-Owned, EST-Managed Vessel Purportedly Transferred Ownership to a Different Greek Company While in Iran     [Click here to view a map of the African Wildcat's route.] New York, NY -Today, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) called on Greek Shipper Victor Restis and Enterprises Shipping and Trading, S.A. (EST) to explain the activities of the vessel formerly known as the African Wildcat, and its operations in Iran. The African Wildcat was yet another vessel owned by Mr. Restis, and operated by EST, which had made port of call in Iran, at the port of Bandar Imam Khomeini (BIK). The African Wildcat made port of call at BIK in August 2013. From that time and throughout the fall and winter, the African Wildcat only sporadically operated its AIS transponder, and appeared to remain in Iranian territorial or contiguous waters. It is still there today. Moreover, UANI has confirmed that the vessel has been renamed the Filia Grace as of December 2013 in an ownership transfer to the Greek company Filia Grace Maritime SA (Greece), c/o Pitiousa Shipping SA (Greece). UANI calls on Victor Restis and EST to explain why the African Wildcat: made port of call at BIK in August 2013; only sporadically thereafter operated its AIS transponder; appeared to remain in Iranian territorial or contiguous waters thought the rest of 2013; and was purportedly transferred to a new owner in December 2013. UANI further calls on Mr. Restis, EST and Filia Grace Maritime SA (Greece), and Pitiousa Shipping SA (Greece) to explain the nature and terms of the vessel's purported transfer. The vessel's call and presence in Iran directly contradict the statements of Mr. Restis, who until recently categorically denied that his companies do, or have ever done, business in Iran. Among other concerns, the BIK port is host to the Iranian regime-controlled front company, Tidewater Middle East Co., which has been designated as a sanctioned entity by both the United States and European Union. The U.S. Treasury Department has stated that: "the Iranian Government has repeatedly used Tidewater-managed ports to export arms or related material in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions." Said UANI CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace: We call on Mr. Restis and EST to fully disclose information regarding the vessel once known as the African Wildcat, including its visits to and from Iran. We also call on Mr. Restis to clarify the nature of any transaction in which ownership of the vessel was transferred. Why has this vessel appeared to remain in Iranian waters for so many months? When was this vessel transferred, why did that transfer occur, and do Mr. Restis or EST have continuing beneficial ownership in the Filia Grace? Filia Grace Maritime SA (Greece) and Pitiousa Shipping SA (Greece) must further explain the nature and terms of the purported transfer of this vessel from EST and Restis. No responsible entity should do business with Mr. Restis until he ends his business -- his ships' visits -- to Iran. Mr. Restis and EST must end any and all business relationships in Iran, and all EST vessels must cease making ports of call in Iran. Click here to view statements by Mr. Restis denying any Iran business. Click here for news accounts of Mr. Restis's arrest and criminal charges. ### United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) is a program of the American Coalition Against Nuclear Iran, Inc., a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Objectives of United Against a Nuclear Iran Inform the public about the nature of the Iranian regime, including its desire and intent to possess nuclear weapons, as well as Iran's role as a state sponsor of global terrorism, and a major violator of human rights at home and abroad; Heighten awareness nationally and internationally about the danger that a nuclear armed Iran poses to the region and the world; Mobilize public support, utilize media outreach, and persuade our elected leaders to voice a robust and united American opposition to a nuclear Iran; Lay the groundwork for effective US policies in coordination with European and other allies; Persuade the regime in Tehran to desist from its quest for nuclear weapons, while striving not to punish the Iranian people, and; Promote efforts that focus on vigorous national and international, social, economic, political and diplomatic measures.  UANI is led by an advisory board of outstanding national figures representing all sectors of our country.

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