APNewsBreak: US mulls sanctions against Iceland {whaling}

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_ICELAND_WHALING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-07-20-09-24-32

HELSINKI (AP) -- The United States is set to announce possible trade and diplomatic sanctions against Iceland for ramping up its whale hunts despite an international moratorium on commercial whaling.

U.S. officials told The Associated Press that the Obama administration on Wednesday will cite Iceland under a domestic law that allows the president to act against foreign nationals or countries who flout international animal conservation rules. After the announcement the president has 60 days to decide on sanctions.

Officials say the U.S. is particularly concerned about Iceland's escalated hunt for endangered fin whales and its recent resumption of exports of whale meat to other pro-whaling nations. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the move had not been formally announced.

[queenjane]

1. Excellent! (n/t)