FOR RELEASE: April 9, 2015
CONTACT: Stephanie Niedringhaus, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC: Today, NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, issued the following statement about the recently announced nuclear deal with Iran:

NETWORK commends President Obama’s administration for undertaking the difficult work of diplomacy with Iran in the “P5 +1” negotiations. The announcement of the forthcoming nuclear accord with Iran is a landmark in creating a more peaceful world.  NETWORK affirms this step for peace and is grateful that, when implemented, it will grant some relief to the Iranian people who have been suffering because of sanctions.

We believe that humans are not meant to live in fear, constantly under the threat of violence. Reducing the capacity for any country to gain nuclear weapons quickly or secretly is a step toward the common good.

We also believe that peace should always be chosen over retribution. Lifting economic sanctions in return for transparency, inspection and the reduction of nuclear resources is progress for the people of Iran. This step toward peace benefits the whole human family.

While this agreement may not be a permanent or perfect solution, we, like Pope Francis, have hope that it will lead to an increase in trust, and that it will be “a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world.”

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