Report: Iranians have trouble buying imported goods back home since sanctions imposed over its nuclear program.
Iranian delegates to the United Nation General Assembly went on a shopping spree during their visit to New York, the Daily Mail reported Thursday, citing a source saying sanctions imposed on Iran make it harder to get foreign goods back home.
A sign marks the spot for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ahead of the annual UN General Assembly meeting in New York, September 25, 2012. – Photo by AFP
The American chain stores that the Iranians visited include Payless shoe store, Costco, Walgreens and Duane Reade, the report said, adding that the men accompanying President Ahmadinejad were interested in cheap clothing, shampoo, soap and vitamin supplies.
“Since they are under sanctions, they can’t get this stuff,” a man assigned to work with the Iranians during their visit to New York while was quoted saying. “Their money is weak compared to the dollar,” he noted.
Western sanctions have been imposed on Iran over its nuclear program, in attempt to discourage the Islamic Republic from perusing nuclear weapons. Iran rejected the International Atomic Energy Agency’s demand it would prove that its nuclear intentions are peaceful. A new round of sanctions drafted by the EU join the U.S. in targeting Iranian trade and financial institutions.
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks during the 67th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, September 26, 2012. – Photo by Reuters
One of the delegates to the annual UN General Assembly, the source said, bought a pair of children’s shoes for $40 dollars, costing him almost all of his spending money. Others, purchased wholesale shampoos and a dozen bottles of vitamins and Tylenol.
According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the additional sanctions imposed on Iran in recent months are taking their toll. An internal ministry document maintains that the sanctions have caused far greater damage to the Iranian economy than was previously believed and have sparked additional domestic criticism of the regime.
View original HAARETZ publication at: http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/iranian-delegation-to-un-general-assembly-on-shopping-spree-in-new-york-1.467123
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