Saudi-US Relations Information Service

Keeping Track - Recently on SUSRIS










Rollover image for info		Rollover image for info

Egypt, Saudi Arabia Warn Reconciliation in Iraq Crucial for Bush's New Strategy [Jan 13]
"Reconciliation and national unity in Iraq are necessary for the success of U.S. President George W. Bush's new strategy for the war-torn country, Egypt and Saudi Arabia warned Saturday. Spiraling sectarian violence in Iraq has left many Arab officials fearful of a widescale conflict pitting Sunnis against Shiites.. ..A change in U.S. policy toward Iraq was inevitable, also said Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal.. ..'Unity of Iraq is necessary, independence of Iraq is necessary and peace in Iraq is necessary," al-Faisal said. "None of these have been achieved so far. There must be a change, of course'.." [more]

Saudi to Balance Tough Oil Talk With India Unease [Jan 13]
"Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi and his Opec peers from Iran and Nigeria face a dilemma when they travel to India next week – sweet-talk a major consumer or talk tough on tumbling oil prices at the risk of offending their host.. ..Through long-term supply deals, joint refinery investments or government pledges, expanding Asian consumers like India and China offer a guaranteed, growing source of oil sales for decades – and falling prices will spur that demand. 'India wants a lower price than this,' said Jung.." [more]

Rice Urges Saudis To Do More to Help Iraq [Jan 13]
"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday Saudi Arabia should do more to help the Iraqi government because a 'failed state' next door to the kingdom would ensure an expanded role in the region for old rival Iran. Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rice said the 'single best thing' Saudi Arabia could do would be to provide debt relief for Iraq.. ..To the extent that the kingdom has been active in Iraq, she said, it has been to encourage Sunnis to join the political process in the country. The Saudis also have made clear that they favor more equitable treatment for the Sunni minority in Iraq, she said.." [more]

I Could Live in Kingdom Easily [Jan 13]
"The head of a Boston-based cultural exchange program said here on Thursday that the idea to bring US university students to the Kingdom is to give them the opportunity to experience the difference between how the Kingdom is portrayed in the US media and the reality on the ground. 'It’s clear to me that our media was certainly distorted,' said J. Gregory Payne, director general of the Saudi-American Exchange, a public diplomacy organization founded in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.. ..Over 40 college students are in the Kingdom on a cultural tour sponsored by the US oil giant Chevron.." [more]

GCC's Nuclear Programme Will Be a Role Model - Saud [Jan 13]
"The Saudi foreign minister has said that the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) nuclear programme will be a model that can be adopted by others.. ..Prince Saud Al Faisal said the GCC states decided to enter into this vital industry because of its potential for peaceful uses. He said the GCC states would build a nuclear industry under strict controls and with peaceful intentions. It would be an example for anyone who wants to adopt the technology but without any intention for developing nuclear weapons.." [more]

Ma'aden Plans to Raise $2.5b in IPO [Jan 13]
"Publicly-owned Saudi mining giant Ma'aden is planning to raise up to $2.5 billion in an initial public
offering (IPO) that will likely take place in the third quarter of this year, the company said. The government will retain a 50 per cent stake in the company, which operates one of the largest phosphate deposits in the world, while 40 per cent will be offered to the public.." [more]

Saudi Deepens Supply Curbs [Jan 12]
"Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia will deepen crude supply curbs to Asian refiners next month to comply with Opec's second output cut, industry sources said yesterday, but the news failed to stem a sharp slide in prices.The cuts, which came one day after European refiners said they would receive mostly steady supplies next month, were in line with refiners' expectations, and analysts said they were already looking ahead on what action Opec might take next.." [more]

Saudi Arabia's Trade Deficit with GCC Countries Widens in 2005 [Jan 12]
"Saudi Arabia's non-oil trade with the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries recorded a deficit of 5.8 billion Saudi riyals in 2005, compared to 1.4 billion riyals in 2004, according to a report released by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA).. ..The report indicated that Saudi Arabia's imports from the GCC states represent 11.5 per cent of total imports, while exports to the GCC states increased by 19.7 per cent compared to the previous year to 19.8 billion riyals, 27.8 per cent of total Saudi non-oil exports.." [more]

Bush Discusses Iraq Plan With Saudi King [Jan 12]
"U.S. President George W. Bush discussed on Thursday his new plan on Iraq through telephone with Saudi King Abdullah, White House national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. They talked about U.S. new strategy announced on Wednesday night and forthcoming visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the Middle East.. ..'Let's see the results, outcomes of those discussions.... I think everyone in the region understands what is at stake and what needs to be done'.." [more]

Saudi Oil, Foreign Ministers Focus of Reshuffle Talk [Jan 12]
"Speculation is mounting in Saudi Arabia about the fate of key ministers in a possible cabinet reshuffle in March, but diplomats and analysts say there are no clear indications on who stays and who goes.. ..Saudi rulers have set a pattern of announcing new cabinets every four years at the onset of the third month of the Islamic calendar. That would posit a reshuffle around March 20. But commentators say there are no hard-and-fast rules.." [more]

Arab Foreign Ministers to Meet Rice [Jan 12]
"Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts will hold a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Kuwait next Tuesday.. ..The source, who asked not to be identified, said the meeting would give the eight Arab foreign ministers the opportunity to express their views the Iraq strategy announced by President Bush. The source added that the Arab foreign ministers will hold a consultative meeting to arrange for their talks with Rice.." [more]

Gulf Reviews Currency Peg [Jan 12]
"Central banks of Gulf Arab oil producers are reviewing foreign exchange pegs to the dollar and may agree as early as March to switch to another currency or basket of currencies.. ..The GCC pegged their currencies to the dollar to prepare for monetary union in 2010. With the dollar having slid against the euro and imported inflation rising, policymakers are reviewing the currency pegs, Al Suwaidi said. 'Changing the peg is a GCC decision. We went into it together. We will go out of it together'.." [more]

Tadawul on a Rollercoaster [Jan 12]
"The Saudi Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) was subjected to intense fluctuations during the first week of this year. This was due to major differing in corporate results expectations for listed companies and consequently, probable directions of the equity market and more speculators are convinced that they can compensate their early losses by betting on more speculations in losing and small companies.." [more]

Assaf to Lead High-Level Saudi Delegation to India [Jan 12]
"Saudi Finance Minister Dr. Ibrahim Bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf will lead a 75-member strong business delegation to India for a two-day seventh Saudi-Indo Joint Economic Commission Meeting in New Delhi from January 18 to 19.. ..during the JEC meeting the two sides will discuss and explore possibilities of promoting economic relations in areas such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), energy, up-stream and down-stream petrochemical projects, railway network, infrastructure development in the forthcoming economic cities as announced by King Abdullah and other knowledge-based industries, education and culture.." [more]

U.S. Can't Abandon the Iraqis, Saudi Says [Jan 12]
"America must stay the course in Iraq until the Iraqi government and people agree they are prepared for U.S. troops to withdraw, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States said Thursday at Brigham Young University. Stuart Johnson, Deseret Morning NewsPrince Turki al-Faisal, Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, speaks to a packed house at BYU Thursday. 'The Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia) has always maintained that since America came into Iraq uninvited, it should not leave uninvited'.. ..Al-Faisal later told reporters, 'There is a huge price being paid, but it is a price not just being paid by Americans. It is also being paid by Iraqis'.." [more]

Institute Planned to Build Energy Cadre [Jan 12]
"Negotiations are under way between a government agency and an international company to establish an institute of energy and gas in the Eastern Province, informed sources said yesterday. The institute is likely to be launched within two years. The Eastern Province was selected for the institute because it is the center of the Kingdom’s petroleum industry. The institute, which will be first of its kind in the Kingdom, is designed to train Saudis to work in this sector.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Major Driver in Gulf Business Aviation Boom [Jan 11]
"Saudi Arabia is currently a major growth driver in the development of business aviation across the Middle East.. ..It is the largest market in the region, including North Africa, and has more than 160 private and publicly owned aircraft.. ..''Business aviation in the Middle East will be worth around US $800 million by 2012 - double its current level as people increasingly turn to 'aviation-on-demand' for privacy, safety and corporate efficiency,' said Al Naqbi.." [more]

Saudi Index Plunges to Lowest Close in 2 Years [Jan 11]
"Saudi Arabia’s stock index fell to its lowest close in more than two years yesterday as investors sold banking stocks on fears of weak earnings.. .."Profits in the banking sector fell 16% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter and there’s concern that might not be over yet," said Haissam Arabi, head of asset management at Shuaa Capital. 'Banking sector earnings may continue to deteriorate and that is scaring the market.' The stock market slump of last year hit earnings of banks which according Cairo-based EFG-Hermes earned around 40% of their 2005 income from non-interest operations.." [more]

Saudi Ministry Denies Arrest of Al Sadr Aide [Jan 11]
" Saudi Arabia denied the arrest of an aide to Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada Al Sadr in Madinah. Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Major General Mansour Al Turki told reporters yesterday Hassan Al Zurkani of Al Sadr's office was not arrested but was called to Madinah to discuss with him safety measures during his visit to Al Hujra Al Shareefa (the room where the Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] is buried).. ..News agencies alleged on Tuesday that Al Zurkani was arrested in Madinah. Some agencies even predicted that the Al Sadr official was caught distributing sectarian leaflets and books while others said that he has been involved in provocative actions to undermine the security of Saudi Arabia.." [more]

SR10 Billion Allocated for Scholarships [Jan 11]
"..King Abdullah has allocated SR10 billion for a major scholarship program under which more than 18,000 Saudi students have already been sent to American, European and Asian universities for higher studies, according to Higher Education Minister Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari.. ..the minister said preparations were under way to dispatch 7,500 more students to foreign universities under the scholarship program, which is named after King Abdullah.." [more]

Unstable Middle East Will Pose Global Threat [Jan 11]
"Switzerland-based organisation World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted "instability in the Middle East" among a number of risks the world will be faced with in the next 10 years.. ..On the Middle East, WEF says the deteriorating situation in Iraq and elsewhere in the region occupied the attention of some governments, thus reducing focus on other risks and 'increasing the fear of the fragmentation of the international system.' It said overall stability in the Middle East is deteriorating, 'despite rapid growth and moves towards stability in some Gulf countries'.." [more]

500 Publishing Companies Set to Take Part in Riyadh Book Fair [Jan 11]
"The second Riyadh International Book Fair has been scheduled to take place from Feb. 27 to March 9, with organizers expecting about 500 publishing houses from the Arab world to attend.. ..Last year’s book fair in Riyadh was considered a success because Saudi writers and intellectuals were invited at the ministry’s expense from all parts of the Kingdom. Around 200 Saudi writers and academics of both sexes attended the 10-day event. For the first time last year, women writers were allowed to attend book-signing ceremonies.. ..Despite the cultural clashes that occurred at the fair, it was the first high-profile opportunity for Saudis to purchase books that were previously unavailable in the Kingdom.." [more]

Lawmaker Warns Saudi Arabia against Crisis [Jan 10]
"Speaking to FNA, member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Heshmatollah Felahat-Pisheh.. ..Referring to Saudi Arabia's role in sowing discord between the Muslim Shiites and Sunnites and deteriorating violence in Iraq as well as its negative stances in the face of the Israeli war against Lebanon, the official warned Saudi officials that they will also have to sustain the damage if any crisis emerges in the region.." [more]

129 Saudi Firms Banned From Recruitment [Jan 10]
"Saudi Minister of Labor has decided to bar 129 companies from recruiting new employees for two years. The decision was made due to the companies' failure to meet the 70 percent required percentage for Saudisation and for not registering their Saudi workers with the General Organisation of Social Insurance (GOSI).. ..Many governmental sectors have successfully achieved the target; however, in the private sector the goal has been faltering.." [more]

StanChart in Saudi Licence Talks [Jan 10]
"Standard Chartered is in talks to establish a presence in Saudi Arabia and has applied for a banking licence in the world's biggest oil exporter.. ..Standard Chartered is one of three banks vying for ABN Amro's 40 per cent stake in Saudi Hollandi Bank, sources familiar with the talks said in November. Standard Chartered has repeatedly declined to comment on the matter.." [more]

Cabinet Reshuffle Possible [Jan 10]
"..According to the constitution of Saudi Arabia, executive leadership — including ministers and all senior officials — should be changed once in four years. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has decided to invoke this article of the constitution. The Saudi Monarch’s decision will affect several important ministries and give young blood an opportunity to perform and participate in modern and ambitious projects.." [more]

Saudi Aramco Expected to Reduce 12-14% Oil Supply to Asia [Jan 10]
"A Bloomberg News Survey of six refiners in Asia expected Saudi Aramco, the world's biggest state oil company, to reduce supply to Asia the most in two years in February by 12 to 14 percent.. ..In its efforts to prevent a drop in oil prices, which decreased by 9 percent since December 2006, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will reduce output by 500,000 barrels.." [more]

Oil Hits 19-Month Low [Jan 10]
"Oil plunged more than $2 a barrel on Tuesday to its lowest level in a year-and-a-half as mild winter weather in top consumer the United States pushed prices through a crucial technical support level.. ..The steep price drop has rung alarm bells in Opec producers and the group's president, the UAE, is discussing further action with member states. But traders remained doubtful that Opec could turn the tide.." [more]

Rice Mideast Trip Begins on Friday [Jan 10]
"US Secre-tary of State Condoleezza Rice will begin another trip to the Middle East on Friday aimed at reviving Arab-Israeli peace moves.. ..In addition to efforts to rekindle moribund Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Rice is expected to brief Arab leaders on President George W Bush’s new strategy for ending the war in Iraq - due to be unveiled in a speech tonight.." [more]

Saudis Stung by Downer Criticism [Jan 9]
"The office of the Foreign Affairs Minister said last night there had been a misunderstanding after Alexander Downer offended Saudi Arabia with comments about an investigation by Australian authorities into the funding of a mosque by Saudi extremist groups.. ..The Saudi statement chastised Mr Downer for not telling the embassy about the investigation. 'The embassy states that it has no knowledge of the content of the statement of the Australian Foreign Minister and that no co-ordination with the embassy had taken place'.." [more]

Saudi King Weighs Major Cabinet Reshuffle [Jan 9]
"King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia is considering a major cabinet reshuffle soon, the first since he ascended to the thrown of the oil-rich kingdom, diplomats and Saudi media said yesterday. The reshuffle may include key posts such as Foreign Minister, which has been held by Prince Saud Al-Faisal for more than 30 years, and the influential Oil Minister.. ..The Saudi independent Internet news service, Elaph, also reported yesterday that new ministers would be chosen among members of the Shura Council, an advisory assembly to the government named by the king.." [more]

Asharq Al-Awsat Interviews Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz [Jan 9]
"..Sitting in his private office, the Saudi crown prince discussed numerous issues of current interest
including Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran. When discussing each of these issues, he asserted that the Saudi king and the rest of the country's leadership are concerned about maintaining the Arab and Islamic world's unity and to guarantee its security and its citizens' wellbeing.. ..The Following is the full text of the interview.." [more]

Opec Holds Discussions on Possible Further Action to Stabilise Market [Jan 9]
"Opec producers, concerned about a steep drop in oil prices, are holding consultations on possible further action by the exporter group to stabilise oil markets, a senior Opec delegate said on Monday.. ..'Saudi Arabia is among other countries that are open to all possibilities according to consultations with other Opec member states and developments in the market'.." [more]

Governor of Riyadh Region Receives Harvard Univ. Delegation [Jan 9]
"Prince Salman bin Abdul -Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, received here today the delegation of Harvard University, which comprises 40 Academicians.. ..During the meeting Prince Salman discussed with the visiting delegation a number of issues, notably the reformatory measures taken by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz at the political and economic domains, as well as the role being played by the Shoura (consultative) Council in the decision making , and the achievements attained in this respect.." [more]

No Terrorist-Funded Projects in Australia, Says Diplomat [Jan 9]
"A senior Australian diplomat said yesterday that no group from the Arab world with terror links has funded any social or religious project of Australia or Australian-based organizations.. ..Biggs was commenting on meida reports, which have quoted Foreign Minister Alexander Downers as saying that his government is in talks with Saudi Arabia over the issue of funding. Downers said he appreciated the efforts of the Kingdom in this regard and made it clear that no Australian organization is receiving funds from extremist groups.." [more]

Can Saudi Arabia Help End the Political Crisis in Lebanon? [Jan 8]
"..But the question here is can Saudi Arabia play such mediating role to end the country’s crisis? knowing it’s a key U.S. ally in the region.. ..About the meeting between him, Hezbollah number two Sheikh Naim Kassem and King Abdullah in Saudi Arabia in December, Fneish said: "The Jeddah meeting was positive, especially on rapprochement between the kingdom and Hezbollah," adding that it was 'the first of its kind' between a Saudi monarch and Hezbollah. 'Saudi Arabia can use its influence to end all discord' between Sunni Muslims and Shias, he said.." [more]

Govt in Talks With Saudi Arabia Over Mosque Funds [Jan 8]
"The Federal Government says it is in discussions with the Saudi Arabian Government to prevent extremist organisations funding groups within Australia. Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downers says he is not aware that any Australian organisation is receiving funds from Saudi extremists. He has confirmed the Government has made recommendations regarding an Adelaide mosque which applied to receive funds from the Saudi Government.." [more]

MoU to Set up Saudi Mining Company Signed [Jan 8]
"Rakisa Holding Company, the lead developer of the Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed Economic City in Hail, and a consortium of BNP Paribas and BMG Financial Advisors have signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a new SR1.5 billion ($400 million) mining company in the kingdom.. ..'The studies we have conducted for the Economic City in Hail anticipate an annual growth rate of 9.1 per cent in mining-related investments.' This may turn the northern region into a hub of manufacturing as well as another centre for Saudi mining.." [more]

Saudi Prince Speaks on Thursday at BYU [Jan 8]
"Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States, will discuss 'Balance in the Middle East Community' at a Middle East Studies Lecture on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Joseph Smith Building Auditorium on the Brigham Young University campus.. ..The lecture is free and open to the public.." [more]

Crude Gains as Saudis Pledge to Honor Cut [Jan 8]
"Crude-oil futures rose early Monday on reports that Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, will fully implement production cuts agreed to in previous meetings of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. That would mean a cut of 158,000 barrels of oil a day starting in February, in addition to the 80,000-barrel-a-day reduction that the country agreed to in November.. ..Saudi assurances that it will fully implement the February cut agreed by the OPEC cartel calmed some nerves in the energy pits.." [more]

GCC States Urged to Pressure US [Jan 8]
"A rights watchdog has called for pressure from Gulf Cooperation Council countries on the United States to release their citizens held at Guantanamo Bay.. ..'The Gulf and US governments have long-standing and extensive ties. We expect that if this demand was made by such a close ally to the United States, it would surely merit some positive action from their government'.." [more]

Saudi and Malaysian Firms to Build Jeddah Port [Jan 8]
"A joint venture between Saudi Trade and Export Development Company (Tusdeer) and Seaport Terminal of Malaysia will develop a third container terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP).. ..The project will expand JIP capacity by 45 per cent, and help maintain Jeddah's lead as the main port of the region. The new container terminal is also expected to contribute to the planned 'Land Bridge' with the completion of the Saudi Railways project, creating a fast and efficient land-based link from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf.." [more]

AIDS Cases on the Rise in Saudi Arabia [Jan 8]
"The number of HIV positive cases in Saudi Arabia is on the rise despite the Kingdom’s efforts to contain the spread of the deadly disease. The number of HIV positive case reported in 2005 was 1,201, with 311 of them being Saudis and 890 non-Saudis. This brings the total number of HIV/AIDS patients in the Kingdom to 10,181. Saudis make up 2,316 of these, while 7,805 are foreigners, said Dr. Salah Ahmed, the office manager in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health (MoH).." [more]

Value of Saudi Shares Traded Reached Over SR5.26 Trillion in 2006 [Jan 8]
"The Saudi stock market suffered massive losses in 2006. The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) closed at 7,933.29 points at the end of 2006 as compared to 1,6712.64 points for the previous year. The index dropped by 52.53 percent. The highest close for the index during the year was 2,0634.86 points on Feb. 25, 2006, according to Saudi Arabian Equity Market Annual Review — 2006 released by the Tadawul on its website on Saturday.." [more]

Saudi Calls for Lebanon Unity [Jan 7]
"Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz urged Lebanese leaders to negotiate an end to their political crisis after Lebanon’s opposition said it would step up street protests to topple the government Saudi Arabia backs.. ..Lebanon’s Shia Hezbollah group and its allies plan to step up a campaign of protests and disruption next week to try to topple the Lebanese government by paralysing the country. The move is an attempt to break a deadlock that has defied mediation efforts and fuelled Sunni-Shia tensions.." [more]

Saudi Arabia, France Urge Iran to Curtail Nuclear Programme [Jan 7]
"Saudi Arabia and France called Saturday on Iran to accept international demands to halt uranium enrichment, saying the Mideast should be free of weapons of mass destruction. Visiting French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal stressed diplomacy must be the way to solve Iran's ongoing standoff with the West over its nuclear programme.. ..'Israel should not be excluded from the international efforts and procedures," he added, reflecting regional demands that the Jewish state also be scrutinized for its nuclear programme'.." [more]

Saudis Confirm Eurofighter Order [Jan 7]
"Saudi Arabia has said it will start taking deliveries of 72 Eurofighter jets from UK defence company BAE Systems 'very soon'. The comments come a month after the Serious Fraud Office controversially dropped an investigation into a 1980s BAE Systems deal with Saudi Arabia. It was reported that the Saudis had threatened to cancel the Eurofighter deal unless the probe was halted. The UK government said the inquiry was dropped for national security reasons.." [more]

Saudi Governor: Oil Price Drop Could Cause Problems [Jan 7]
"The sharp fall in oil prices over recent days has not affected Saudi economic policy, but problems could arise if the retreat continues, the governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency said on Sunday. Asked about the decline in oil prices, Governor Hamas Saud al-Sayyari said: 'The macro policy is not going to be affected at the current level of the price.' 'But the problem is if it would continue and if it would fall more substantially. It could affect revenue'.. ..As the world's largest oil producer, Saudi Arabia is heavily dependent on oil revenues, which account for about three quarters of government revenues.." [more]

Putin to Visit in Saudi Arabia [Jan 7]
"Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia next month,
answering and invitation sent to him by King Abddullah Bin Abdel Aziz. According to the Riyadh daily, the two leaders will sign commercial accords and discuss latest regional developments.." [more]

Agriculture Stocks Boost Saudi Index [Jan 7]
"Saudi Arabia’s stock market gained for a second consecutive trading day yesterday, boosted by agriculture stocks.. ..The Saudi index closed up 0.45% at 7,969.18 points. Five agriculture stocks, including Tabuk Agricultural Development Co and Al Jouf Agriculture Development Co surged 10%, the daily limit. The market’s index of agriculture companies soared 8.36%, according to the Saudi bourse website.." [more]

Saudi Airline Denies it Plans Expand Fleet [Jan 7]
"Saudi Arabian Airlines is not planning immediate aircraft orders and does not know how much it would spend on any future purchases, a company spokesman said yesterday. Last week, the Business magazine quoted unnamed sources as saying the firm was discussing with Airbus and Boeing the purchase of $12 billion of aircraft.. ..The last major purchase the airline made was a deal in 1995 with Boeing for 61 aircraft, including several 747 aircraft.." [more]

Crude’s 10% loss in 2007 May Add to Opec Resolve to Cut Output [Jan 7]
"An exceptionally mild winter, new sources of oil supply and slower economic growth in top energy consumer the US have triggered a bigger oil price slide than even the most pessimistic analysts predicted. The 10% fall since the start of the year – the most dramatic loss since December 2004 according to Reuters data – is out of proportion to any fundamental weakness and has spread to the wider commodities asset class. Oil’s weakness could strengthen the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ resolve to enforce supply cuts of 1.7mn bpd.." [more]

Saudi Women, Hajj Support [Jan 7]
"The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has revealed that one third of the 2,500 female staff who helped
co-ordinate this year's Hajj pilgrimage were Saudi nationals.. ..The total of 861 Saudi women was an 11% lift on the figure two years ago and many were employed as physicians and nurses. The ministry actively encourages Saudi women to work during Hajj, offering training and promotion incentives.." [more]

France Didn’t Call for Pullout [Jan 7]
"..'France has never called for a withdrawal of foreign troops in Iraq,' he said. 'These troops are there based on a UN resolution,' the French minister said while addressing a joint news conference with Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal.. ..The ministers held extensive talks in the Saudi capital and discussed several topics, such as the situation in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Iran, and Somalia. Foreign Minister Saud said the talks were positive and fruitful.." [more]

The SUSRIS project -- an independent, private-sector information resource - offers objective, comprehensive news and information on the history, breadth and depth of the US-Saudi Arabia relationship.
< Read More About SUSRIS >