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State Department Heeds Hastings’ Call to Formally Designate Caucasus Emirates Leader a Foreign Terrorist

WASHINGTON—Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) today applauded Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s wise decision to impose terrorist sanctions on Caucasus Emirates leader Doku Umarov.

“Officially designating Doku Umarov shows the United States is committed to standing with Russia in our common struggle against terrorism,” Hastings said. “I am proud to see the Department of State taking actions I called for in April when I introduced H. Res. 1315 related to the Caucasus Emirates.”

The Caucasus Emirates cooperates with al-Qaeda, has declared jihad on the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Israel, and claimed responsibility in this year’s Moscow subway bombings, which killed 40 people, and last year’s Nevsky Express train derailment which killed 28.

“This action is an important step to help stem the flow of financial and other assistance to Umarov and limit his ability to operate the murderous Caucasus Emirates,” Hastings said.

The State Department’s June 23 announcement is here.

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