Argentina and Iran to probe AMIA bombing

GlobalPost

Argentina has approved an agreement with Iran to set up an international truth commission to investigate the 1994 bombing of AMIA, a Jewish center in Buenos Aires.

According to BBC News, Argentina has always blamed Iran for the attack that killed 85 people. Iran has always denied involvement.

Argentina's government suggested the commission in order to reopen investigations into the bombing, but Jewish organizations and other opposition have said it's pointless.

More from GlobalPost: Argentina and Iran to discuss 1990s Buenos Aires bombings

Ricardo Gil Lavedra, an opposition legislator, thinks the commission is a mistake.

"The bombing is being debated with the Iranian government, which ordered it," he said.

President Cristina Fernandez and her supporters have said the memorandum is a historic opportunity, reported Reuters.

"This memorandum represents a bold decision, a brave decision that opens a possible path toward the truth," said ruling party lawmaker Mara Brawer during a 12-hour debate as Jewish community groups protested outside Congress.

RAPSI News noted that after the heated debate, Argentina's lower house ratified the memo, with 131 votes for and 113 against, following a 39-31 vote by the Senate in favor of the commission.

Under the agreement, five independent judges will be in charge of investigating the 1994 bombing.

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