Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah
Photo: Reuters
Will he heed Congress' call? George Bush
Photo: AP
'Why are Saudis still boycotting Israel?'
Congress passes unanimous decision calling on Bush to urge Saudi Arabia to abide by its commitment to World Trade Organization and stop its support of Arab boycott against Israel
The U.S. Congress passed on Wednesday a unanimous decision calling on President George W. Bush to urge Saudi Arabia to abide by its commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and stop its support of the Arab boycott against Israel.
The Saudi pledge to end the economic boycott on Israel was America’s condition for permitting the Middle Eastern country into the WTO.
In addition, the Saudis were notified some six months ago of their legal obligation to grant preference to WTO members, including Israel.
Saudi Arabia complied, and Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal gave Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice his word that he would act against the Arab boycott. However, the Saudis have not followed through on their commitment and in the meantime have even hosted an annual conference of Muslim organizations responsible for enforcing the boycott.
Ynet has learned that the Bush administration is choosing to ignore the continued Saudi boycott on products containing Israeli-made parts, prompting Congress’ demand that the U.S. urge Saudi Arabia to fulfill its commitment and put an end to the boycott.
