Tension Erupts Between Saudis, U.S.

September 24, 2003

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- Relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States have again turned tense amid discussion over the next generation of Saudi leaders.

Saudi opposition sources said Riyad had demanded the expulsion of U.S. ambassador Robert Jordan and has declared the envoy unwanted in the kingdom. The sources said Jordan angered many members of the kingdom's leadership by declaring U.S. preferences for royal succession.

The Washington-based Saudi Information Agency reported that Jordan was asked to leave the kingdom soon after he discussed the prospect of Saudi succession. The ambassador discussed the issue at two dinner receptions in the spring of 2003 attended by senior Saudi officials.

At one reception, the Saudi opposition agency said, Jordan said the United States has decided to support Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Aziz as the next Saudi monarch. But the ambassador said the next crown prince would not come from Abdullah's brothers. Instead, Jordan said, the successor to Abdullah would come from what he termed the "third generation," or the sons of Abdullah or his brothers.

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