While Democrat Vinnie Gentile welcomed today’s announcement of a framework deal with Iran that will limit their use of nuclear fuel and monitor their ability to make nuclear weapons in exchange of the lifting of sanctions, his Republican opponent Dan Donovan in the upcoming 11th Congressional District election blasted both the deal and Gentile for going along with it.
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City Councilman Vincent Gentile
“I applaud the President and our partners in the international community for agreeing to a much-needed framework to keep Iran’s nuclear program peaceful. The White House, through it’s work with our allies abroad, has taken a substantial step towards making the Middle East and entire world a safer place,” said Gentile.
“However, we cannot forget that Iran is still a state sponsor of international terrorism, and so we must remain vigilant against that continued threat. Under absolutely no circumstances can we allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon. It would be an irreversible mistake to enter into an agreement that creates an eventual path toward a bomb. That said, by continuing to negotiate from a position of strength and with the cooperation of an international coalition, I am cautiously optimistic that we can come to an agreement on a final, comprehensive long-term plan that will make our country, our allies, and our world safer.
“If elected, I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the White House to ensure that the final agreement does everything to protect the United States, its allies, and the world. Our work is not yet done, but today the world has been set on a safer path.”
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Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan
Donovan said he has deep concerns with the deal as there remains unresolved issues and key details that are troubling.
“The United States should not agree to any deal that lifts sanctions while allowing Iran to continue operating the core aspects of its nuclear program. Through its actions, Iran has proven itself to be a bad actor that cannot be trusted. This deal is too important to the safety of the American people to be negotiated unilaterally by this Administration. I continue to call for congressional oversight so the will of the people can be expressed,” said Donovan.
Donovan also said he was shocked to learn Gentile applauded the agreement.
“It’s a dangerous notion to think an international sponsor of terrorism can keep its nuclear program peaceful. His support for this deal undermines our allies and puts American security at risk. The last thing we need in Washington is another politician who blindly supports this President’s disastrous foreign policy,” said Donovan.
The special election is May 5.
