UANI Calls on Greece's Victor Restis, EST, and George Sarris to Confirm that the Helvetia One is Currently in Bandar Imam Khomeini, Iran

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 6, 2014   Contact: Nathan Carleton, press@uani.com  Phone: (212) 554-3296   UANI Calls on Greece's Victor Restis, EST, and George Sarris to Confirm that the Helvetia One is Currently in Bandar Imam Khomeini, Iran Restis-Controlled Vessel In Iranian Waters, Contradicting Mr. Restis's Own Assertions UANI Calls on Ports to Exercise Caution in All Dealings with Helvetia One and EST [Click here to view a map of one the Helvetia One's Iran routes.] New York, NY - Today, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) called on Greek businessman Victor Restis, Enterprises Shipping and Trading, S.A. (EST), and EST President George Sarris to confirm whether their vessel, the Helvetia One, is currently in Bandar Imam Khomeini, Iran and to state the nature of its business there. UANI data indicates that the Helvetia One is currently at dock at the port in Bandar Imam Khomeini. Moreover, this is not the Helvetia One's first visit to Iran. The Helvetia One made multiple ports of call in Iran in 2012 and 2013. The Helvetia One is owned, operated and managed by EST, which is controlled by Mr. Restis and operated by Mr. Sarris. Such business in Iran directly contradicts the statements of Mr. Restis, who, in response to a 2013 UANI campaign, categorically denied that his companies do, or have ever done, business in Iran. Today, as part of a continuing investigation, UANI is publicly revealing evidence of the Helvetia One's current location in Iran and its business activities there. UANI tracked the Helvetia One's recent journey from Santos, Brazil to Bandar Imam Khomeini, via Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. The Helvetia One remains in port at Bandar Imam Khomeini. [See here.] Among other concerns, the Bandar Imam Khomeini 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. Said UANI CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace: Victor Restis and EST must once and for all fully and transparently account for their extensive Iran dealings. We call on Mr. Restis to answer a simple question: Will you admit - finally - that you and your shipping company EST do business in Iran, despite your previous public statements? Until Mr. Restis and EST transparently and consistently reveal the true nature and extent of their Iran business activities, we call on port authorities worldwide to exercise extreme caution regarding the Helvetia One, Mr. Restis, EST and other EST vessels. At the same time, Mr. Restis, EST, and Mr. Sarris must end any and all business relationships in Iran, and responsible businesses and ports should not do business with them until their vessels cease making ports of call in Iran. Yesterday, UANI called on Mr. Restis, EST, and Mr. Sarris to account for the Iranian activities of the Bergen Max cargo carrier. UANI released data showing that the Bergen Max has made multiple calls to Iranian ports since 2012, and most recently docked at Bandar Imam Khomeini. Click here to view statements by Mr. Restis denying any business in Iran. Click here for news accounts of Mr. Restis's 2013 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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