UANI Calls on Austria's AVL to Clarify Iran Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2014   Contact: Nathan Carleton, press@uani.com Phone: (212) 554-3296 UANI Calls on Austria's AVL to Clarify Iran Business Firm Told UANI It was Out of Iran, But Report Indicates New Business    New York, NY - On Thursday, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) called on Austrian automotive firm AVL List GmbH (AVL) to clarify whether it has entered into a deal with Iran's oil ministry despite assuring UANI it had ended its Iran business.  Last month, UANI publicly called on AVL to forgo business in Iran following reports that AVL was part of an Austrian trade delegation that went to Tehran in December. Soon after, AVL contacted UANI, and stated that it had "stopped all business activities within the Iranian automotive industry." AVL also said it has "implemented a strict compliance policy for all employees" regarding Iran business. Yet a recent report said that "the research department of Iran's Oil Ministry has signed a deal with Austrian AVL to develop energy saving projects in the Iranian oil industry." UANI contacted AVL on March 6 regarding this matter, asking that AVL confirm whether it is or is not out of Iran. AVL has yet to respond. UANI is therefore calling on AVL to fully clarify the nature of its business in Iran, and either refute the report in question, or confirm it. In the March 6 letter to AVL Chairman and CEO Helmut O. List, UANI CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace wrote: ... United Against Nuclear Iran ("UANI") applauds AVL for its decision to "[stop] all business activities within the Iranian automotive industry" as of July 1, 2013 and "proactively [implement] a strict compliance policy for all employees."             In light of your articulation of AVL's responsible action regarding its Iran business, UANI was troubled by a recent report in the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) which states that "the research department of Iran's Oil Ministry has signed a deal with Austrian AVL to develop energy saving projects in the Iranian oil industry." The foregoing report appears to contradict AVL's statements that "AVL does no business in Iran now and has no intention of doing so again..." UANI would therefore appreciate AVL's immediate clarification and comment on the veracity of this report. Specifically, please immediately clarify whether AVL has entered into or is considering any agreement with the Iranian Oil Ministry or any other Iranian entity to renew business now or at any time in the future. ... AVL maintains a significant U.S. presence, including two facilities in Plymouth, Michigan. UANI's Trade Delegation Campaign tracks Austrian and French companies that are exploring the Iranian market following the implementation of the Geneva interim agreement. Click here to read UANI's full March 6 letter to AVL. Click here to read UANI's February 25 letter to AVL. Click here to send a message to AVL. Click here to learn more about UANI's Austria Trade Delegation Campaign. ### 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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