Powell welcomed declared Saudi measures on fighting terrorism
Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 12/5/2002

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed measures announced by Saudi Arabia in the framework of fighting terrorism and considered that they constitute a new effort by Riyadh.

Powell told journalists who accompany him in his official visit to Colombia on Tuesday evening that the statements made by Adel al-Jubeir, the advisor for the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz for foreign affairs in Washington, were comprehensive and showed determination.

The US secretary of State explained that the Saudis have are making a lot effort to fight terrorism, but he simultaneously announced that Saudi Arabia is intending to change its laws and financial auditing of the Islamic charity organizations in order to fight money laundring and financing terrorist acts.

The Department of State Spokesman, Philip T. Reeker, on Tuesday stated that "The United States is pleased with the continued cooperation we have received from the Government of Saudi Arabia in the Global War on Terrorism.

"We welcome today's announcement by Saudi Arabia of enhanced mechanisms to monitor and control financial flows from the Kingdom. We believe that such improved oversight of financial transfers is essential to reduce and impede financial support for terrorism originating in Saudi Arabia. We strongly support comprehensive monitoring of charitable organizations based in the Kingdom to ensure that well-intentioned donations are used for their intended purpose, not to finance or abet terrorists. We believe that such monitoring, especially of donations leaving the Kingdom, can prevent those who would assist terrorists from using the charitable generosity of Saudi citizens as cover for their activities.

"The United States is encouraged by Saudi efforts and will continue to provide technical cooperation to Saudi Arabia and other allies in the region as they work to improve their capabilities in monitoring and countering the financing of terror. We expect continued and comprehensive exchanges of expertise with Saudi officials.

"The United States also looks forward to convening the upcoming meeting of the U.S.-Saudi Joint Working Group on Terrorism in early January in Washington. We believe that this will further improve and formalize our cooperative efforts in countering terrorism. Chaired for the United States by the Department of State's Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Cofer Black, this Working Group will serve as the primary mechanism for the coordination of joint activities, the exchange of information, and setting mutual priorities in the battle against terrorism."

Previous Stories:
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  Powell: relations with Saudi Arabia are good   (11/28/2002)

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