SCORES IN RUNNING FOR PIECE OF THE RAIL PIE
"American, European, Japanese and South African firms are among 32 international bidders for the financial consultancy of the Kingdom's 1,600-km railway project, a Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) source said here yesterday... ... The main project envisages adding a 950-km rail link between Riyadh and Jeddah. This will complete the rail link between the country's east and west coasts through the existing 450-km rail link between Riyadh and Dammam.  Initial estimates put the cost of this project alone at more than $2 billion..."  [Expired Link]

US ENVOY GREETS STUDENTS
"US Ambassador Robert Jordan hosted a reception recently to welcome King Faisal School students who are participating in a special exchange program with Brown University in the US. The students visited Brown University during the summer 2002 on joint program between the two institutions. Ambassador Jordan pointed out to Dr. Mohammed Al-Khateeb, president of King Faisal School and to the staff who accompanied the students to the US that such programs are essential for Saudis and Americans to learn about each other and overcome some of the misunderstandings that exist on both sides..."  [Expired Link]

POWELL LASHES OUT AT ANTI-MUSLIM RHETORIC
"US Secretary of State Colin Powell lashed out [Nov. 14] against recent anti-Muslim rhetoric from some prominent conservative US Christians, saying such "hatred" damaged US interests. Powell's comments came a day after President George W. Bush repudiated the same remarks in a rare rebuke of the religious right - one of his main political power bases..."  [Expired Link]

NEW MEASURES IN THE OFFING TO TACKLE DEBTS: SULTAN
"Saudi Arabia will soon announce new measures including taxation to tackle its staggering public debt problem, according to Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation.  In an open dialogue with Shoura Council members recently, the prince said the new measures aimed at increasing revenues and reducing expenditures will be presented to the Shoura Council for endorsement..."  [Expired Link] 

WOMEN BARRED FROM PROPHET'S CHAMBER
"Women have temporarily been banned to enter, approach or pray at the Prophet's chamber and the rawdah (the area near the Prophet's chamber) at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, Al-Madinah newspaper reported [Nov. 14]. The General Presidency of Prophet's Mosque Affairs was forced to take the unprecedented move by the inconveniences caused by the huge crowd, according to an official source at the presidency..."  [Expired Link] 

PRIVATIZATION MOVE DUBBED 'HISTORIC, ENCOURAGING'
"Economists and businessmen have welcomed Monday's historic decision by the Cabinet to privatize 20 vital economic sectors, saying it will strengthen the economy and attract national funds invested abroad… … The strategy, approved by the Supreme Economic Council (SEC) in June, outlines the procedures of privatization, sectors on offer to the domestic private sector and foreign investors and a timetable for transferring certain services to private businesses…"  [Expired Link] 

MIDDLE EAST EMBRACES PRIVATIZATION
"Several Middle Eastern states have this week moved closer to embracing privatization schemes in order to shore up their finances. Saudi Arabia's finance minister, Ibrahim al-Assaf, announced plans to privatize 20 sectors including telecoms, railways, health services and hotels..."  [Expired Link]

STAGNATION 'AT ROOT' OF ARAB PROBLEMS
"Stagnation is a major problem in the Arab world, says a leading banker and former diplomat. 'The problem in the Arab world is not instability but stagnation,' said HSBC special adviser and former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sir David Gore-Booth. The Middle East matters, not just because it is an area of tension, but because it boasts real achievements, he said..."  [Expired Link]

SAUDI ARABIA IS MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO REBUILDING AFGHANISTAN
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [Nov. 12] announced that construction has begun on a major road project in Afghanistan. The Kabul-Kandahar-Herat highway, largely destroyed by war, is being rebuilt through a Saudi-U.S.-Japanese partnership.  The road project will repair a major transportation artery and will help bring back transportation and trade to the war-torn country.  The project is part of a multi-billion dollar effort to the rebuilding of Afghanistan..."  Source:  PRNewswire  [Expired Link]

SAUDIS SECURE $380M CONTRACTS FROM IRAQ
"Saudi businessmen who made a landmark visit to Baghdad earlier this month secured contracts worth $380 million with the Iraqi government, a top Saudi businessman told Al-Jazirah newspaper..."  [Expired Link]

UNIFIED PATENTS PROCEDURE
"An official spokesman of the GCC Patents Office has clarified with reference to [Nov. 12] report in Arab News that a patent issued in one GCC member country gets automatically registered in other states unlike in EU, where a separate application for patent has to be filed in each member country of the European Union. This is one of the highlights of the unified patents procedure, he added..."  [Expired Link] 

DECISION ON TAXI SECTOR IS FINAL: NAIF
"Interior Minister Prince Naif has said that the decision on Saudizing the taxi sector is final. He clarified the government's stand to reporters while attending a function to honor outstanding students of Riyadh region on [Nov. 14]. "All should know that the decision to Saudize the taxi sector is final and definite but we should give sufficient time to implement it successfully," Prince Naif said. He is currently studying the methodology and timing for implementing the program in collaboration with the ministries of communication and labor and social affairs..."  [Expired Link] 

US ENVOY HIGHLIGHTS EXISTING EXCELLENT SAUDI-US RELATIONS

The US and Saudi Arabia have established a close business relationship over the past 70 years. The US is Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner and, for the United States, Saudi Arabia represents American's largest trading partner in the Middle East, said Robert W. Jordan, the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He told Saudi Commerce and Economic Review that there exist extremely good reasons for these close commercial ties, strong reasons, that cannot be overcome easily. He highlighted several significant aspects of Saudi-US relations. First, the United States and Saudi Arabia have cooperated on regional security issues for decades, based on their common interest in prosperity and stability throughout the region.

Second, the US is the world's largest consumer of oil and Saudi Arabia is the world's largest exporter, the country that has the lowest costs of production and the greatest reserves and spare production capacity. Third, tens of thousands of Americans have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia over the years, contributing to the Kingdom's growth and building personal ties. Fourth. tens of thousands of Saudis have received their education from the United States and now hold important positions throughout the Kingdom. These people know US goods and services and have done much to ensure that US companies come to do business here. Fifth, Saudis have invested billions of dollars in the US economy. These investments are an important source of jobs and prosperity for Americans - and an important potential source of earnings for Saudi investors.

Jordan said: "There is no question that our long-standing commercial partnership has been successful and profitable for both sides. Saudi Arabia is now in the midst of a crucial transition, led by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, designed to move its economy from state-led development to private sector-led development. In the recent past, state-led development was invaluable in harnessing the wealth of the oil boom years to the development of a first-class infrastructure for the Kingdom. In the vision articulated by Crown Prince Abdullah, Saudi Arabia's next stage of development will harness private capital, both Saudi and foreign, to create the jobs and wealth that will benefit Saudis. Instead of building factories, the efforts of the Saudi government will now be directed to creating an environment that encourages investors."

He pointed out that the gas initiative promises to diversify Saudi energy sources, and give new impetus in provision of electricity and water for the country's fast-growing population. He added that US companies are engaged in seeking to make this proposal a reality. He said that Saudi Arabia increasingly is becoming plugged into the world economy, as evidenced by the explosion in telecommunications here in the past few years, including the introduction of Internet and GSM services. US companies have been deeply involved in this process as well. "The United States is Saudi Arabia's natural partner in such a transition, as the US has rich ties to build on. Moreover, the US offers Saudi Arabia technology that is second to none, developed by companies that are the best in the world in virtually every economic sector," added Jordan. He said: "The shock of the September 11 terrorist attacks has led some to question the strength of ties between the two countries. President Bush and Crown Prince Abdullah have talked about this issue in depth. They are agreed, as are the many Americans and Saudis with whom I discuss this issue, that we should not let the actions of a small group of hate-filled terrorists chill our warm relations.

"Speaking personally, one frustration since the attacks has been occasional hold-ups in our issuing visas to Saudis who want to conduct business in the United States. The good news is that we can now move forward as the embassy is issuing visas at a much faster pace. While there is clearly a need for increased scrutiny since 9-11, I am confident that we are well on our way to establishing visa and entry procedures that are secure, fair and efficient." He observed: "The Saudi government and the United States government are engaged in continual discussions on how better to cooperate and work together. Similarly, our two private sectors are also discussing joint projects and endeavors. Virtually all of the leading Eastern Province companies have built important, lasting relationships with American companies. As the Saudi economy enters its next phase of development, these ties will become increasingly important in contributing to investment and national development. Looking forward, I can only see more success for US and Saudi companies working together."

Source: Riyadh Daily
11-14-02

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced plans to privatize many of its vital economic sectors.  Sectors open to privatization include: telecommunications, civil aviation, desalination, highway management, railways, sports clubs, municipal services, health services and government hotels.

Information Minister Dr. Fuad Al-Farsi said the cabinet approved the privatization list upon the recommendation of the Supreme Economic Council (SEC), which is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.

In order to make this privatization program as productive as possible the cabinet specified that the Supreme Economic Council take overall charge of the program.  The SEC will specify the activities to be privatized and set out a strategic plan and timetable for the privatization program. "The SEC will supervise privatization of all activities  ...and take the necessary measures to complete the privatization process as per the rules and regulations," Al-Farsi said after the cabinet meeting.

The privatization list also includes operation and management of social service centers, Saudi employment services, agricultural services, establishment of health facilities and transportation of patients.  Of municipal services, Al-Farsi said, construction and management of abattoirs, public parks and recreation centers, cleaning and garbage disposal services will also be included in the program.

Source:  Saudi Embassy online
11-12-02

IF U.S. GOES TO WAR WITH IRAQ, SAUDI ARABIA'S ROLE COULD BE CRITICAL 
CNN November 11, 2002

Heidi Collins, Christiane Amanpour 

HIGHLIGHT: 
In the first in a series on life in Saudi Arabia, Amanpour looks at the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. She reports on how Saudi students and citizens view the country after 9/11. 

BODY: 
HEIDI COLLINS, CNN ANCHOR: If the U.S. goes to war with Iraq, the type of role Saudi Arabia plays, or does not, could be critical. 

This week on CNN, Christiane Amanpour has a series of reports on life inside Saudi Arabia. We begin with a look at the kingdom's sometimes rocky relationship with the U.S. 

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) 

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): If Saudi schools are being criticized for teaching hatred and anti-Americanism, this school in Riyadh is trying to buck that trend. 

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Guacamole is a dip that's made from avocado, correct?

AMANPOUR: A pilot program at the prestigious King Faisal School, started before September 11, has taken on special urgency now, beginning at grade school to teach language, math, computer science and technology in English. 

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's fun. 

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It teaches you about the English language. It's very important. 

AHMAD SAWTARI, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT HEAD: Many of these kids' parents, they're schooled in America. So they want to pass on that heritage, that tradition. 

AMANPOUR: But since 15 of the September 11 hijackers were Saudis, the United States is handing out fewer visas and Saudis are afraid to send their children to a country they feel hates them. In addition, many Saudis who usually go to the U.S. for vacation or medical treatment are now going to Europe. 

(on camera): Here in Saudi Arabia, sympathy for America is giving way to indignation and defensiveness and a feeling of betrayal as deep as in America itself. 

(voice-over): You can come to a mall in the capital and get a genuinely friendly welcome. And although Saudis now admit their countrymen were involved in September 11, those who've lived in and love America are still angry that all Saudis are being tarnished as terrorists, as the enemy. 

PRINCE SULTAN BIN SALMAN, TOURISM DIRECTOR: People here are not just shocked, but appalled that this is also being tagged as a brand of religion that is coming out of Saudi Arabia. 

NOURA AL-YOUSEF, ECONOMIST: I still a state of denial. I couldn't believe that those 15 people are from my country. I've been raised, I studied in this country and we don't do this stuff. 

AMANPOUR: And outside this mosque in the capital, young men are eager to El Al us that not all Saudis are guilty. But they also tell us that they feel current American policy in the Middle East is both threatening and humiliating. 

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The all Arabs you see here, all Muslims, from Kashmir, from Benladis (ph), from Sudan, from Pakistan, from anywhere, they hate America because America helps Israel against Arabs in Palestine. 

AMANPOUR: Indeed, a recent poll finds the majority of Saudis have a negative view of America. But beneath the bitterness, hope, too, that bad feelings can be overcome and that they can travel and study again in the United States. 

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm not talking about the government's relations, I'm talking about the people's relations. America is a country of freedom. I'm talking about the people themselves. You know, the people are nice. 

AMANPOUR: And back at the King Faisal School, that's Talal, one of Osama bin Laden's nephews, among the ninth graders learning English. 

TALAL BIN LADEN, STUDENT: It's exciting and it's the common language in the world. So you have to learn it. So it helps us in our jobs. 

AMANPOUR: Talal doesn't know yet what he wants to be when he grows up. But like his classmates, his heart is filled not with hate, just an eagerness to learn. 

Christiane Amanpour, CNN, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

All Things Considered - NPR 
November 11, 2002 Monday 

HEADLINE: Saudi Arabia's response to allegations that the country has supported terrorism 

LYNN NEARY, KATE SEELYE 

BODY: 
LYNN NEARY, host: 

In the wake of the September 11th attacks, Saudi Arabia has been singled out in the Western media as a primary source of terrorism. The powerful Saudi religious establishment has been accused of creating an environment that breeds terrorists. Many of the kingdom's banks and charities have been accused of funding terror networks and the government has been charged with not doing enough to stop terrorism. Saudis counter that the media attacks are part of a pro-Israel smear campaign. They say support for radical anti-American groups exists, but only among a small minority. From the Saudi capital, Riyadh, NPR's Kate Seelye reports. 

KATE SEELYE, reporting: 

Many Saudis wonder how they went from being America's number-one Arab ally to the world's number-one source of terrorism seemingly overnight. Most recently the Saudi government was accused by an independent American foreign policy group of turning a blind eye to the funding of al-Qaeda. Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal says, 'That's simply not true. Saudi Arabia,' he says, 'has been very diligently following the money trail.' Mr. SAUD AL-FAISAL (Foreign Minister): Over the past few months we have stopped close to $70 million reaching al-Qaeda, which is--compared to what the United States has done, compares favorably. 

SEELYE: Saudi authorities say they have frozen suspect bank accounts and are setting up an agency to monitor the work and cash flow of Islamic charities. 

A much greater fear, they say, are attempts by al-Qaeda to destabilize the Saudi monarchy. Member of the ruling family, Prince Michel bin Saud(ph). 

Prince MICHEL BIN SAUD (Saudi Arabia): Americans should be aware that we are targeted by terror as much as they are and we are in the same war together. 

SEELYE: The State Department has said it is pleased with Saudi Arabia's cooperation in the fight against terror. But one Western diplomat here said that some in Washington are frustrated because they would like to see Riyadh move more quickly against suspected funders and backers of terror. Businessman Hussein Shiboshi(ph) counters that Saudi Arabia is cracking down, but cautiously so as not to alienate the public by making false accusations. 

Mr. HUSSEIN SHIBOSHI (Businessman): They have just not accused people across the board without realizing factually what money went and where did it go and how it was spent, because they realize that, you know, blanket accusations just basically dismantle and destroys the credibility of that process. 

SEELYE: 'As well as people's reputations,' he adds. 

Jamaal Khalifa(ph) says he's one of those whose reputation has been tarnished. Khalifa is Osama bin Laden's brother-in-law. In 1994 while on a business trip to San Francisco, Khalifa was arrested in connection with a bomb plot in Jordan. After spending four and a half months in a US prison, he was released and sent to Jordan for trial, where he was found innocent. Shortly after September 11th, says Khalifa, he was arrested by the Saudis and questioned. 

Mr. JAMAAL KHALIFA (Osama bin Laden's Brother-in-law): Then after two and a half months or more, they tell me, 'OK. You are innocent again.' 

SEELYE: Khalifa says every time he goes to prison yet another one of his businesses is ruined, and now he says he's struggling to find work. 

Mr. KHALIFA: That's my ...(unintelligible), OK? I start to apply for a job. Nobody accepted me, because everybody said, 'Sorry, we don't want our company to be closed or we don't want our money to be freeze.' 

SEELYE: Khalifa says he fully supports the fight against terrorism, but he's alarmed by what he sees as 'dangerous and irresponsible' accusations being leveled by the West at Saudi individuals and institutions. 

Mr. KHALIFA: It's a fuel to the fire. It's a fuel to the fire. You want to create another extremist. 

SEELYE: Saudi analysts say there was much public sympathy and support for the United States following the September 11th attacks. But these days, they say, that sympathy has been replaced by anger and resentment and a feeling that an entire nation has been made a scapegoat. Kate Seelye, NPR News, Riyadh.