Congress angry over Saudi boycott
Last Monday, I reported that instances of the Saudis asking companies to boycott Israel had risen 76% since the Saudis agreed not to boycott Israel as a condition to their admission to the World Trade Organization in 2005. That report has apparently angered members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. Democrat Howard Berman of California, Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee, told the Post from Washington that he had read the report in Monday's paper.
"This is a very disturbing report," Berman said, "particularly in light of the fact that US officials assured us four years ago that Saudi Arabia would abandon the boycott as the condition for its entry into the World Trade Organization."
Berman declared that he would take action on the issue.
"I intend to pursue this matter with the administration," he said.
Across the aisle, Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana, who chairs the House Republican Conference, also criticized Riyadh for its duplicity.
"Saudi Arabia's disregard of its 2005 pledge to end the boycott against Israel is unacceptable," Pence told the Post.
"Congress and the administration must hold Saudi Arabia accountable. The United States cannot stand by and continue to witness this mistreatment towards the peace-loving people of Israel," he said.
"Ending the Arab League boycott and establishing trade relationships with Israel would help foster much needed peace in the region," Pence added.
I'd love to see Saudi Arabia kicked out of the WTO, but it will never happen.
Israel Matzav: Congress angry over Saudi boycott
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