E-MAIL THIS LINK
To: 

Saudi FM: "We're not soft on terror." Really.
  • RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said on Saturday that Afghanistan's ruling Taliban were mostly to blame for the turmoil in the country. ``There is no doubt that the leadership in Afghanistan bears the largest part of responsibility,'' he told reporters after discussing the plight of Afghan civilians with visiting French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine.

    Faisal and Vedrine reiterated their countries' commitment to fighting terrorism in all ways, including choking off the funding of ``terrorist'' groups. ``Both countries are fully committed to fight terrorism and this is a long-term process and must see persistence,'' Vedrine said through an Arabic translator.

    Saudi Arabia has rejected accusations from two influential U.S. senators that the kingdom, home to several of the suspects in the suicide plane attacks, was soft on terrorism both at home and abroad. Faisal said strong ties between Riyadh and Washington can continue. ``American-Saudi relations, from our side, we believe that they are historic and strong relations and have been built on strong foundations and can continue as such,'' he said.
    Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2001-10-27
    		•
    http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=2620