The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin expressing concern over the limitations of humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people. PAAIA requests several measures are instituted in response to the devastating coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Iran.
Iran is one of the hardest-hit nations dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Iran has more than 27,000 coronavirus infections and its death toll reached over 2,000 as of this week. While Iranian Americans are proud patriotic Americans that contribute to all levels of U.S. society, they maintain close ties to the people of Iran. Many are eager to help the Iranian people deal with the current COVID-19 outbreak in Iran with humanitarian assistance.
The spread of COVID-19 has been a catastrophe for the people of Iran and of great concern for the Iranian American community, many of whom have family or friends still residing in Iran. As a result, PAAIA requested the administration clarify what is permitted and prohibited under U.S. law, and make any appropriate changes to existing regulations that would help to save lives and contain the spread of this dangerous pandemic. Recommendations include expanding humanitarian exemptions under General License E as well as the issuance of guidelines on delivering medical supplies to Iran.
The letter follows PAAIA’s efforts to bring relief to the Iranian people through its coalition, the Humanitarian Relief Coalition (HUREC). HUREC will work in collaboration with international relief organizations that are uniquely positioned to respond to the coronavirus crisis in Iran to quickly and effectively turn generous donations into needed medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to reach those in the areas most affected.
HUREC is in need of financial support to make a significant impact in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to make a donation to the Humanitarian Relief Coalition and here to learn more about HUREC.
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PAAIA Sends Letter to Administration Requesting Measures to Facilitate Humanitarian Aid to Iran:
The Honorable Michael Pompeo
Secretary of State
The Honorable Steven Mnuchin
Secretary of Treasury
Dear Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Mnuchin,
On behalf of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), I am writing to express our concern over the limitations of humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people as the country is overwhelmed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We urge the Administration to act swiftly to clarify allowable activities under the current guidelines for humanitarian assistance and make any appropriate changes to General License E to enhance the flow of humanitarian assistance to Iran.
Iran is one of the hardest-hit. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Iran has more than 23,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and its death toll reached over 1,800 as of this week. While Iranian Americans are proud patriotic Americans that contribute to all levels of U.S. society, they maintain close ties to the people of Iran. Many are eager to help the Iranian people deal with current COVID-19 outbreak in Iran with humanitarian assistance
In order to expeditiously facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people, we ask that the Administration clarify what is permitted and prohibited under U.S. law, and make any appropriate changes to existing regulations that would help to save lives and contain the spread of this dangerous pandemic. Such measures could include:
• Addressing the current challenges faced in delivering critical medical supplies to Iran.
• Issuance of guidance for foreign financial institutions, exporters, and distributors who can demonstrate that they are following the same enhanced due diligence steps being followed by Swiss financial institutions and exporters utilizing the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement that they will not be penalized or sanctioned if they are facilitating humanitarian trade to Iran in response to efforts to combat the spread and effects of COVID-19 in that country.
• Expand General License E to include research collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Raise the ceiling on the amount of funds permitted to be sent to Iran for humanitarian aid under General License E.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Respectfully yours,
Leila Golestaneh Austin, PhD
Executive Director
U.S did offer but supreme leader said NO. now we are hearing they don't even want doctors without borders. Iranian regime as F*up as is has to make up its mind: either it wants to be part of international community which means following and abiding by certain rules and guide lines and acting civilized ( definitely not climbing consulates walls and burning other countries flags) or be a renegade and if that is the case stop asking the infidels for help, loan and money!