Reuters: U.S. blocks Turkish firm for exporting GE engines


January 7 2014
U.S. acts to block Turkish firm from sending GE engines to Iran

(Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday issued a rare emergency order aimed at blocking the illegal re-export of two large, used U.S.-built commercial jet engines to Iran by a company based in Turkey.

Assistant Commerce Secretary David Mills, who oversees export enforcement, signed the order on Friday after learning that Turkish-based 3K Aviation Consulting & Logistics planned to re-export two engines built by General Electric Co to Iran on Tuesday using Pouya Airline, an Iranian cargo airline.

There has been a warming in U.S.-Iranian ties this year, including a November 24 deal to curb the Iranian nuclear program, but most exports to Iran remain strictly banned under U.S. law.

The order, which will be in effect for 180 days, includes sweeping consequences for 3K Aviation, Pouya Airline and Adaero International Trade, the Illinois-based company that the department said had shipped the used aircraft engines to Turkey.

The order bans all three companies and their key officers from engaging in negotiations, trade, transport or other activities involving any U.S. export-controlled items, not just the aircraft engines in question.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/06/us-usa-turkey-iran-engines-idUSBREA050ZB20140106