BERLIN (JTA) — Germany must do more to curb its trade with Iran, the president of the European Jewish Congress stressed.
Moshe Kantor, responding to the recent release of data showing a 10 percent rise in exports to Iran over the first three quarters of 2008, said the trend is "at odds with the international efforts to isolate Iran and sends a disturbing signal about Germany’s true intentions towards curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions."
Kantor, who is seeking re-election to a second four-year term as head of the EJC, made the comments in a statement released Wednesday.
The problem of Iran sanctions is "pan-European," he said, urging Germany in particular "to redouble its efforts and sanctions."
"Words are important, but it is deeds that matter, and Germany’s actions are cause for grave concern," Kantor said.
Elections for the top EJC position are scheduled to take place Dec. 17 in Brussels at a general assembly meeting. Opposing Kantor is Roger Cukierman, a former head of CRIF, the umbrella for French Jewish groups and communities that last year suspended its membership in the EJC to protest some of Kantor’s policies.
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