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| Argentine Congress approves pact with Iran to probe AMIA bombing |
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.jpg) TEHRAN – Argentina's Congress approved on Thursday an agreement with Iran to resolve the bombing of the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires in 1994 that killed 85 people, Reuters reported.
The measure passed with 131 votes in favor and 113 against.
The two governments signed a memorandum of understanding last month on how to deal with the attack in which Argentine court authorities have accused a number of Iranians of involvement. Iran has denied any link to the bombing.
The agreement stipulates that a commission - made up of five foreign legal experts - will outline plans for Argentine judicial officials to travel to Tehran to question Iranians accused of having links to the AMIA attack.
Commission members will analyze the documents presented by both nations’ judicial authorities and “issue a report containing recommendations on how to proceed with the case” according to the memorandum.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez says it could shed new light on the case after years of deadlock.
Fernandez has close ties with other Latin American leaders who are on good terms with Tehran, such as Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez.
Her supporters hailed the memorandum of understanding as an historic opportunity.
“This memorandum represents a bold decision, a brave decision that opens a possible path toward the truth,” said ruling party lawmaker Mara Brawer during a heated 12-hour debate as Jewish community groups protested outside Congress.
Argentina’s Senate also approved the agreement last week.
MT/PA
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