US IMPOSES BAN PLANE EXPORTERS TO IRAN

PRESS TV
March 21 2008
Iran

The US Commerce Department says it has imposed sanctions on British
and Armenian firms for "knowingly" re-exporting aircrafts to Iran.

Washington suspended the export privileges of the British-based Balli
Group PLC and related companies, the Armenian-based Blue Airways and
Iran’s Mahan Airways for 180 days.

"[The firms] knowingly re-exported three US origin aircraft to Iran in
violation of the Export Administration Regulations and are preparing
to re-export three additional US origin aircraft to Iran in further
violation of the [rules]," said a statement by the department Friday.

The agency also accused the companies of making "false statements"
to US authorities on the ultimate destination and user of the aircraft.

The White House has ordered the redelivery of the three aircraft
which were about to be re-exported to the Islamic Republic.