Bush support UAE company's bid for six US ports
United Arab Emirates-USA, Economics, 2/22/2006

US President George W. Bush said congressional and state leaders who have expressed opposition to a deal allowing a Dubai-based company to take over administration of six major US seaports are sending "mixed messages" to the international community because a foreign-owned company from the United Kingdom previously had been running the ports.

Speaking to the press February 21, Bush said, "I really don't understand why it's okay for a British company to operate our ports, but not a company from the Middle East, when our experts are convinced that port security is not an issue."

He accused critics of holding Dubai Ports World, a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates to "a different standard" from the British company Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which has been running the major commercial operations at the ports of Baltimore, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York and Philadelphia.

"I'm trying to conduct foreign policy now by saying to people of the world, we'll treat you fairly," Bush said. "And after careful scrutiny, we believe this deal is a legitimate deal that will not jeopardize the security of the country, and at the same time, send that signal that we're willing to treat people fairly."

The president added that if Congress passes legislation that would outlaw the transaction, "I'll deal with it, with a veto."

Previous Stories:
  US condemns UAE arrest of homosexual couples   (11/29/2005)
  American security team in Dubai to inspect containers heading to the US   (3/25/2005)
  UAE: trade negotiations with America do not obligate us to change our foreign policy   (3/8/2005)
  UAE, US free trade negotiations start in March   (2/12/2005)
  American investments in the UAE recede   (1/9/2001)
  UAE proposals for breaking the link between the dirham and the dollar   (11/1/1999)

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