‘Shopping for Arms Is Not Restricted to Any Country’ - Saudi Arabia

[NNN0LHI]

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JEDDAH, 21 July 2005 — The Kingdom’s defense minister yesterday emphasized plans to strengthen its armed forces by acquiring modern weaponry but insisted that it was not committed to purchasing its arms requirements from any particular country.

“We will take the latest from every country; we are not restricted to purchasing them from a particular country. We have links of friendship with every country,” said Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation.

Speaking to reporters after official talks with visiting Spanish Defense Minister Jose Bono in Riyadh, Prince Sultan hinted at starting an economic offset program with Spain.

“A delegation will go to Spain to study prospects of strengthening (military) cooperation through an economic offset program,” he said when asked about new developments in military ties between the two countries.

[whistle]

1. Nice, BushCo got what they were after...a 21st Century arms race

[Oversea Visitor]

2. Bush and Saudi have a fight?

:crazy: Strange statements no neccessary at all.

[Deja Q]

4. If they did, the Saudis would ramp up oil prices.

[acmejack]

3. Does this suggest an impending shift in SA policy?

Bandar goes home. If the Saudi's move towards European and Chinese ties, the US will be in deep doodoo!

Pegging oil to any currency not the dollar will be a real blow to our economy. As it is, the Chinese will be able to outbid this Country for not only oil, but all of the remaining resources.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

5. Time for Al Yamamah 3

http://cryptome.org/soil/soiled-dove2.htm