Ambassador Nominee Sees Saudi Progress

[Socialist Christian]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=540&ncid=721&e=7&u=/ap/20031121/ap_on_re_mi_ea/us_saudi
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WASHINGTON - Saudi Arabia has increased its efforts to combat terrorists since it was struck by suicide bombings in May, President Bush (news - web sites)'s nominee to be ambassador to the kingdom said Friday.



At his Senate confirmation hearing (news - web sites), James Oberwetter said Saudi Arabia has made progress in discouraging religious extremism and stopping terrorist financing.


He also said that, if confirmed, he would encourage democratic reforms and tolerance for other religions.


"Freedom of religion as we know it does not exist, and participation even by some sects of Islam is not allowed. We need to continue to engage in dialogue with the Saudis and discuss with them the opportunities for freedom of religion," Oberwetter told Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.