From: Salim Himidi
Thank U for allowing us to see views from a self-respecting, autonomous, patriotic perspective, in these times of abdications and self-denials, faced with blatant imperialist arrogances and double standards, dictated by Israel’s expansionist war mongers!
-Bwanatosha-
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From: kerezesia_mukalugaisa @ . . .
Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:27:37 +0000
On this one all Tanzanians who cherish the country’s independence must stand together with President Kikwete in politely telling the US Senator that the decision by the Zanzibar authorities to reflag Iranian tankers is a legitimate commercial act undertaken by the Zanzibar authorities who have autonomy in taking action that serves the economic interests of the people of Zanzibar.
He should tell them that Tanzania does not share the USA’s view that the Islamic Republic of Iran promotes international terrorism nor is Tanzania obliged to follow the USA and EU line that Iran is bent on seeking to have nuclear weapons, much as all countries in the world including the USA, EU countries, Israel, Pakistan, India, etc ought to be encouraged to abandon the nuclear weapons stockpiles that they, unlike iran, already have.
Iran is entitled to engage in nuclear research for whatever purpose.
Tanzania receives technical assistance from the USA in the fight against malaria and HIV/AIDS, but this should never be used as means to exert illegitimate influence on Tanzania’s independent foreign policy actions. USA mining interests in Tanzania are extensive and should the USA illegally impose sanctions on Tanzania and withdraw aid , Tanzania will be left free to act in manner that may benefit its people and it should not be held accountable for unpleasant outcomes viz a viz USA mining companies’ interests.
On this one all Tanzanians, irrespective of our own internal political quarrels must unite and tell Uncle Sam to “just grin and bare it” where the issue of the reflaging of Iranian oil tankers is concerned.
We can not afford to have the Union government quarrel with the Zanzibar government over this matter so soon after the oil/gas hot potatoes!
-Mwl. Lwaitama –
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Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2012 20:37:51 +0300
From: denis.matanda@ . . .
On 30 Jun 2012 14:29, “Abdalah Hamis” wrote:
Dear President Kikwete,
I am writing to express my deep dismay that Tanzania has permitted the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), to reflag at least 6 and as many as 10 of its vessels under the Tanzanian ship registry, allowing them to remain under NITC ownership and continuing to transport Iran’s crude oil exports. This action by your government has the effect of assisting the Iranian regime in evading U.S. and EU sanctions and generating additional revenues for its nuclear enrichment and weapons research programs and its support for international terrorism.
It is profoundly disappointing to me to learn that your government has acted in contravention of the broad international coalition that is working together to use peaceful means, including economic sanctions, to change the threatening behavior of the Iranian regime. The decision to accept the re-flagging of NITC vessels casts a shadow over Tanzania’s international reputation.
I respectfully request that Tanzania cancel the re-flagging of the NITC vessels. Given the close and cooperative relationship that our two governments now enjoy, it would be unfortunate if this action were permitted to stand.
It would be preferable that Tanzania take this action of its own accord. However, your government should take note of President Obama’s Executive Order 13608, signed May 1, 2012, which provides for the imposition of sanctions on any entity worldwide, including foreign governments, that assists Iran in evading U.S. sanctions. In my view, eflagging Iranian oil tankers falls within the scope of sanctionable activity under that Executive Order. In addition, if Tanzania were to allow Iranian vessels to remain under Tanzanian registry, we in the Congress would have no choice but to consider whether to continue the range of bi-lateral U.S. programs with Tanzania.
Sincerely,
Howard Berman
Cracking Democrat, House Foreign Affairs Committee