(Washington Post) Peter Slevin - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a government agency, has recommended that Secretary of State Powell name Saudi Arabia a "country of particular concern," opening the possibility of diplomatic or economic sanctions. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) contends the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act requires the move. State Department officials say that Saudi Arabia's poor record might merit designation under the law, but they question the effectiveness of escalating the public criticism of Riyadh.
2003-01-22 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive