ARABIALINK Daily News – SAUDI ARABIA – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]
Saudi Women Raise Their Voices Over Male Guardianship [Sep 7]
“In Saudi Arabia, women may seldom be seen, but they are starting to be heard — especially when it comes to the country’s guardianship system. Laws in the deeply conservative Kingdom are heavily influenced by religious leaders and they dictate that Saudi women can’t study, can’t work, can’t travel, can’t even open a bank account without permission from their guardians — their closest male relatives.. .. Saudi Arabia’s strict guardianship system has long drawn criticism. A 2008 report from Human Rights Watch stated that “Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship of women and policies of sex segregation stop women from enjoying their basic rights.” Al-Huwaider is doing all she can to make sure the guardianship system comes to an end.. .. Al-Huwaider views Saudi’s King Abdullah as a promoter of women’s rights, and while she appreciates the steps he’s taken to grant her fellow countrywomen more freedoms, she also says her government needs to do much more..” [Complete Report]
Kasit Explains Somkid’s Rise to Saudi Envoy [Sep 7]
“Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday assigned Mr Suthep and Mr Kasit to clarify Pol Lt-Gen Somkid’s promotion to the Saudi government after the embassy in Bangkok issued a second statement expressing its concern. The embassy said that since Pol Lt-Gen Somkid has been indicted for alleged involvement in the disappearance of Saudi businessman Mohammad al-Ruwaili in 1990, and the case would go to the Criminal Court on Nov 25, his promotion would not only violate Thai law but also hinder the chance of justice being served.. .. He said Pol Lt-Gen Somkid’s fate would be decided by the judicial system. Until then, it had nothing to do with police regulations regarding promotions, and this would be explained..” [Complete Report]
Gulf Countries Call on UK to Deport Bahraini Opposition Figures [Sep 7]
“The Gulf Cooperation Council has called on the United Kingdom to expel Bahraini Shiite opposition figures charged with plotting to overthrow the Gulf country’s government. The six-nation GCC said in a statement Tuesday it wants Britain to deal seriously with what it calls terrorist groups and refuse refuge to those threatening their countries. Hassain Meshaima of the HAQ movement and Saeed Al-Shehabi of the Bahrain Freedom Islamic Movement live in London and have been charged in absentia by Bahrain with “forming a terror network.” On Saturday, 25 Bahraini activists were charged with forming a terrorist network and trying to topple the country’s Sunni-dominated government. The GCC includes Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain..” [Complete Report]
Saudi Awards $2.44 bln Power Plant Deal [Sep 7]
“Saudi state-owned Saline Water Conversion Corp (SWCC) has awarded a $2.44 billion power plant contract to a group led by China’s Sepco III Electric Power Construction Corp, an industry source said on Tuesday. The group, which includes Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arrab Contracting Co, will build a 2,400 megawatt (MW) plant that will be integrated with a water desalination facility in Ras Azzour, on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast. Sepco III and Al-Arrab’s bid was the lowest..” [Complete Report]
