NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) continued its Austria Trade Delegation campaign by calling on the Austrian construction firm Doka to clarify its policy regarding Iran business.
Last month, UANI contacted Doka following reports that it participated in a trade delegation to Iran following the signing of the interim nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1.
In response, Doka’s parent company Umdasch AG contacted UANI, stating that it is a “responsible” and “ethical” company which is “fully aware” of the “political and commercial sensitivity of any Iran business.”
Umdasch continued by saying it has “strict internal rules as well as procedures … with regard to the critical matter of Iran business.”
However, Umdasch did not respond to UANI’s question regarding the status of Doka’s business in Iran and whether Doka intends to expand any Iran business activities in the near future. UANI is therefore calling on Doka to clarify its Iran business policy, and explain how its internal rules and procedures allow for its self-described “dealings with Iran.”
In a letter to Doka Group Chairman Josef Kurzmann, UANI CEO, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace wrote:
… UANI appreciates your acknowledgment of the risks associated with conducting business in Iran. In light of this acknowledgment UANI is startled by your apparent interest in ramping up Doka’s Iran business activities - particularly in a country with such little regard for ethical standards. Please therefore specify how Doka’s code of conduct - “marked by responsibility and the highest ethical standards” - informs Doka’s business operations in Iran.
Furthermore, it is not clear how Doka can operate in full compliance with international regulations concerning business in Iran, in light of the risks associated with a potential partnership with the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated entities. Please outline the policies Doka has in place in order to ensure that its apparent Iran business activities do not violate sanctions. …
Doka is active in the U.S., and lists seven U.S. locations on its website.
UANI's Trade Delegation Campaign tracks Austrian, French and Italian companies that are exploring the Iranian market following the implementation of the Geneva interim agreement. Notwithstanding the terms of the agreement, there remain severe reputational, financial and legal risks associated with Iran business.
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to read UANI’s full March 28 letter to Doka.
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to read UANI’s March 3 letter to Doka.
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to send a message to Doka.
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to learn more about UANI's Austria Trade Delegation Campaign.
