Saudi Arabia promised the Bush Administration in November 2005 that it would end its economic boycott of Israel. That commitment was made in order to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO), but the Saudi regime continues to bar the entry of any Israeli products or even products with parts made in Israel.
Former Saudi Ambassador Salem el-Honi, whose official title is "High Commissioner of the Organization for the Islamic Conference's (OIC) Islamic Office for the Boycott of Israel," confirmed that the conference would be taking place in the city of Jidda next week. Speaking with Israel National News correspondent Michael Freund, El-Honi said that this is the ninth such annual event, which takes place every March and is expected to be well-attended.
"All 57 OIC member states will attend, and we will discuss coordination among the various offices to strengthen the boycott," El-Honi told Freund.
The OIC's web site lists the conference, and it was confirmed by OIC Secretary-General Hamed Salah a-Din as well.
The conference and continued boycott run counter to explicit commitments made by the Saudi regime on November 11th, 2005 as a condition for entry to the WTO.
Freund reports the commitment was confirmed to him via email by Christin Baker, assistant US trade representative for public and media affairs. "[The US] ensured that Saudi Arabia, in its recent accession to the WTO, has taken on all rights and obligations with respect to all WTO members, including Israel," Baker wrote, adding that the Saudis obligated themselves to treat Israel the same as any other member nation.
Freund confirmed with Jidda Port Saudi Customs Department’s Hamed Abdul Aziz that the boycott definitely is being enforced at Saudi ports. "Absolutely not - if it is from Israel it is not allowed," he said. "I checked with my manager, and he said it is completely forbidden." He confirmed the policy with a customs official at King Abdul Aziz Airport outside Jidda as well.
Already two weeks after the November 11th signing the WTO agreement, Saudi officials assured Arab nations, through the Arabic press, that the boycott would continue unhindered. It is unclear what steps the WTO or U.S. will be willing to take to enforce the Saudi commitment, in light of the financial power of the oil-rich country and the close ties between the Bush Administration and the Saudi royal family.