A group of members of the US House of Representatives addressed a letter to Rafael Ramírez, CEO of state-run company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (Pdvsa), expressing their "concern" regarding reports that Pdvsa "is continuing to do business with Iran that is subject to sanctions under the provisions" of two US laws.

In a letter signed by five House members dated September 24, 2010 they encouraged Ramírez "to provide a written report" that Pdvsa "will not undertake such activities in the future."

The two laws mentioned by the US Congressmen are the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) and the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010 (CISADA).

The House members who signed the letter are Ted Poe, Brad Sherman, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Dan Burton and Bob Inglis.

The letter reminds Ramírez that the US Congress has an obligation to enforce these regulations. The lawmakers warned that the US Congress decided to toughen its stance against Iran and its allies. Therefore, US companies and their technologies could be barred from participating in the oil business in Venezuela if the government of Hugo Chávez fails to provide an adequate response.

Source: ElUniversal.com