| November 11, 2002 |
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| Boycott Watch research reveals illegal
boycott activity |
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Boycott Watch has conducted a study of the Arab boycott of
Israel to determine merit, and came to a stunning revelation: US anti-boycott
laws specifically forbid people in the US from joining into the Arab League
boycott of Israel.
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| The antiboycott laws were adopted to encourage,
and in specified cases, require U.S. firms to refuse to participate in foreign
boycotts that the United States does not sanction. They have the effect of
preventing U.S. firms from being used to implement foreign policies of other
nations which run counter to U.S. policy. |
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| The antiboycott laws specifically refer to
boycotts involving foreign governments against another foreign government and
participation of people in the US in those boycotts. This law does not apply to
vast majority of boycotts, such as boycotts established in the US against US
companies, products or services. |
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| The Arab League boycott of Israel is the
principal foreign economic boycott that U.S. companies must be concerned with
today. The antiboycott laws, however, apply to all boycotts imposed by foreign
countries that are unsanctioned by the United States. |
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| The antiboycott provisions of the Export
Administration Regulations (EAR) apply to all "U.S. persons," defined to
include individuals and companies located in the United States and their
foreign affiliates. These persons are subject to the law when their activities
relate to the sale, purchase, or transfer of goods or services (including
information) within the United States or between the U.S. and a foreign
country. This covers U.S. exports and imports, financing, forwarding and
shipping, and certain other transactions that may take place wholly
offshore. |
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| As such, Boycott Watch has concluded that the
individuals and companies participating in the Arab League boycott of Israel
are committing felonies as defined by the provisions in the law. |
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| Based upon US law, Boycott Watch has concluded
that taking part in or promoting Arab League boycott of Israel is against the
best interests of the United States and is also a felony. As Americans, we
strongly discourage participation in the Arab League boycott of Israel and
specifically recommend the purchase of Israel goods and services to counter the
illegal boycott by supporters of the Arab League. |
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Source: Department of Commerce
US Antiboycott Compliance Laws against unsanctioned foreign
boycotts |
