Members of Congress Criticize Saudi Arabia for Enforcing Israel Boycott
Three members of Congress have criticized Saudi Arabia following the report in Monday's Jerusalem Post that Saudi Arabia continues to enforce the primary boycott of Israeli goods.
Friday's edition of the Jerusalem Post contains quotes from Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA), Joseph Crowley (D-CT) and Mike Pence (R-IN) that are strongly critical of Saudi Arabia for continuing the boycott, despite their agreement to terminate the boycott during the WTO accession process. The three members of Congress called for Saudi Arabia to end their boycott immediately.
The article also quotes an official from the U.S Trade Representative's Office that:
"At the time of its accession to the WTO, Saudi Arabia did not invoke the nonapplication provisions of the WTO Agreement with respect to any member, and therefore has taken on all WTO rights and obligations, including most-favored-nation treatment, with respect to all members, including Israel."
In our view," the official said, "continuing the primary boycott of Israel would not be consistent with these commitments."