Since last July, Restis and the anti-Iran body headed-up by Mark Wallace, have been exchanging allegations and denials and law suits, over the Greek shipowner’s company, Enterprises Shipping & Trading, and its alleged dealings with Iran, contrary to US and European Union sanctions.
On 10 February, a call by UANI on Restis, to fully and finally clarify the inconsistent statements regarding his and the Athens-based company’s dealings in Iran, came after the Greek bulker and tanker operator reportedly branded UANI allegations untrue and demanded an end to the 'name and shame' campaign.
UANI, turned up the pressure on Restis, after his Greek lawyer, back-tracked and admitted at least three Restis-owned and ETS-managed vessels have in fact visited the port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, Iran (BIK).
February 6, the US-based organisation issued a statement in which it called on the EST chairman and its president, George Sarris, to admit one of EST's bulkers, the 92,700 dwt Helvetia One built 2012, was docked at a port in BIK
UANI also issued a statement in which it released evidence suggesting another EST bulker, the 72,300 dwt Bergen Max, built 1994, has called at BIK on several occasions. The port is host to the Iranian regime-controlled front company, Tidewater Middle East Co.
On 7 Feburary, Restis’ lawyer Antonis Lagadianos of Ince & Co law firm of Piraeus, in an email to Boies, Schiller & Flexner, which represents Wallace and UANI confirmed the Helvetia One, Bergen Max and African Wildcat made eight separate ports of call on Iranian ports during 2012-2013, including at BIK. Lagadianos said the visits were for humanitarian purposes to deliver various grains, but notably ports of call at BIK’s Grain Terminal entail visits to Tidewater.
The Iranian government has repeatedly used Tidewater-managed ports to export arms or related material in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, according to the US treasury department.
Wallace said: “Restis must speak the truth,” and suggests, “No responsible persons, businesses or ports should do business with Mr. Restis and his related firms until he reconciles these inconsistent statements and confirms he will no longer do business of any kind with Iran”.
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