Bush - Abdullah will deal with tense issues

US President Bush will meet with the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, on April 25th, the White House annouced yesterday noon.

"Among other things, the two leaders are expected to discuss a Saudi peace proposal presented by the Crown Prince at the March 27th to March 28th Arab summit in Beirut. As well, they will discuss U.S.-Saudi bilateral relationship, the next phase in the war against terrorism and the general situation in the Middle East." The White House said.

Meantime, asked that "a growing number of Saudi officials are now praising these (suicide) bombings and what that tells us about the Saudi government?" White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said yesterday "Anybody who praises these homicide bombings will find themselves in sharp disagreement with the President of the United States." He added "the President looks forward to having a full-fledged range of conversation with Saudi leaders and will do so."

Asked "We do have Saudi officials praising the suicide bombers, and King Fahd issued a statement blaming Israel squarely for the current crisis in the Middle East. Of course, the U.S. viewpoint is the military operation was a response to the suicide bombings. Just on the surface, can you talk about -- I mean, just on the surface it seems like a very deeply troubled relationship we have with the Saudis at the moment." Fleischer said "I think relations with the Saudis are strong. And, obviously, events in the Middle East lead to complications, and those complications are going to be discussed. The United States and Saudi Arabia have differing views, as friends and as allies."