Homeland Security

DATE=11/21/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS/SAUDI (L-O)

NUMBER=2-310105

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration's nominee to be U-S ambassador to Saudi Arabia says he will not hesitate to confront the government in Riyadh on difficult bilateral issues. James Oberwetter appeared (Friday) before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which must confirm his nomination. V-O-A's Dan Robinson reports from Capitol Hill:

TEXT: Mr. Oberwetter says, if confirmed, he will work to ensure that Saudi Arabia's relationship with the United States as a "secure and stable partner," particularly in the war on terror, is maintained.

/// OBERWETTER ACT ///

One of the principle items of business we have to accomplish with Saudi Arabia is to strengthen our strong, cooperative relationship, to prevent further terrorist attacks in the world, from New York, to Riyadh, to Istanbul.

/// END ACT ///

The success of these efforts, he says, depends also on engaging the Saudis in areas where, as he put it, "differences of approach" exist.

This was a reference to issues that have recently troubled U-S-Saudi relations.

They include unhappiness with Saudi actions to eliminate anti-Western or violence-inciting teachings in Islamic schools, child abductions, terrorist financing, and the question of political reform.

Mr. Oberwetter says he believes terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia in May and earlier this month have sent a clear message to its government.

/// OBERWETTER ACT ///

We must continue to engage the Saudis in a dialogue, about any group that has, as a driving force, the teaching of hatred or the teaching of violence. I think the Saudis now begin to understand, especially after the incidents of May 12th, that this is not a problem that exists just for the United States or just for the west, but that they have this problem, too.

/// END ACT ///

The Oberwetter nomination is supported by the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Richard Lugar, and other Republicans, such as (Texas) Senator John Cornyn.

/// CORNYN ACT ///

Jim (Oberwetter) knows that "diplomatic" does not mean avoiding difficult issues. He understands that being "diplomatic" means using skill, persuasion and toughness to advance the national security interests of the United States of America.

/// END ACT ///

However, Mr. Oberwetter faces strong opposition from some Democrats, including Charles Schumer, who was not present at Friday's hearing.

In a letter to President Bush, released to the media, Senator Schumer said Mr. Oberwetter "lacks the foreign policy experience needed to keep the Saudis honest in the war on terrorism."

/// OPT /// Mr. Oberwetter is a former oil industry lobbyist from Texas, with strong ties to President Bush and his father, former President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Senator Schumer says the nomination "sends the wrong message that the U-S relationship with Saudi Arabia is only about oil." /// END OPT ///

Responding to Senator Schumer's criticisms, a White House spokesman said President Bush stands by the Oberwetter nomination. (SIGNED)

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