US drops agriculture as sanction weapon

29 April 1999

US drops agriculture as sanction weapon

LOBBYING by agricultural groups has succeeded in getting the USA to change its position on sanctions.

President Bill Clinton has just announced sanctions will be modified to allow for commercial exports of food.

The USA has made increasing use of sanctions as a weapon against hostile states in recent years and six countries are now under embargo.

The countries are Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Libya, Sudan and North Korea.

The presidents decision was welcomed by Richard Luger, chair of the Senate agricultural committee.

Significant food exports are already being considered, including a $500m (£310m) sale to Iran.

• Financial Times 29/04/99 page 8