Chretien provoked the Saudis

The Canadian mass media has reported that Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who on Wednesday concluded a tour of the Middle East in Saudi Arabia, raised the regret of the Saudis when he recommended what clothing reporters accompanying him can and cannot wear.

The Canadian papers reported that Chretien's office, before the arrival of the Canadian prime minister in Saudi Arabia, issued a note to reporters in which he called on women to cover their heads "all the times" and not to go around without being escorted by men, and he also asked all not to wear the color green because it is considered the "symbol of Islam."

The Canadian CBC TV and Radio Canada stressed that this note raised provocation among the Saudis.

A message by the Saudi embassy in Ottawa on April 17 said that this note reflects a negative image about Islam.

The embassy stressed that there is no law which states that women should cover their heads in Saudi Arabia and be escorted by men while they are out. The message added, "For your knowledge there is no color for Islam."

The Canadian media stated that Chretien expressed his "apology" in Jeddah before journalists.