On 25 October 2017, the House of Commons published a briefing paper regarding the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). In particular, the paper focuses on President Trump’s recent refusal to certify Iran’s compliance with its obligations under the deal. This does not in itself end the deal but does give the US a 60-day window in which to re-introduce suspended sanctions against Iran using an expedited procedure. The House of Commons…

On 23 October 2017, the Council rolled over the EU restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea until 27 October 2018. The measures were first adopted on 25 October 2010 in response to the violent crackdown on protests by the country’s military regime and consist of a ban on the provision of certain services, restrictions on admission and the freezing of funds and economic resources. The names of the individuals concerned and the reasons for…

New guidance was published on 19 October 2017 by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) to help charities and NGOs understand their responsibilities and comply with financial sanctions. In producing the guidance, OFSI has worked closely with charities, regulators and banks to understand common challenges faced by those operating in hostile environments. The guidance helps clarify what activities may be permitted under an OFSI licence and how to apply. It also identifies sources of…

On 23 September 2017, the Council rolled over the EU restrictive measures against Burundi until 31 October 2018.  The measures were first adopted on 1 October 2015 and consist of a travel ban and asset freeze against four persons whose activities were deemed to be undermining democracy and obstructing efforts to achieve a political solution to the crisis in Burundi.  These activities include acts of violence, repression or incitement to violence, and acts which constitute…