Saturday, November 15, 2008

Saudi Arabia to Lead U.N. Faith Forum

USS Neverdock points out something very important about the "Faith Forum" on religious tolerance which Saudi Arabia is leading:


Notice it says "LEAD".

"UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 11 -- Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich Islamic kingdom that forbids the public practice of other religious faiths, will preside Wednesday over a two-day U.N. conference on religious tolerance that will draw more than a dozen world leaders, including President Bush, Israeli President Shimon Peres and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. 

The event is part of a personal initiative by Saudi King Abdullah to promote an interfaith dialogue among the world's major religions. The Saudi leader agreed for the first time to dine in the same room with the Israeli president at a private, pre-conference banquet Tuesday hosted by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. But Ban hinted that the two leaders -- whose governments do not have diplomatic relations -- were not seated at the same table. "


Notice too that these forums are never held in Saudi Arabia.





Pastorius comment: Yes, they can't hold such a forum in their country because, for one thing, they don't allow Jews in Saudi Arabia:


Saudi Arabia: No Jews need apply

02/27/2004

Congressman Anthony Weiner has complained about the tourist visa policy of Saudi Arabia. Their policy is indeed illuminating, in the light of all the complaints about racial profiling at US airports. No Jewish people can get visas, and of course, no Israelis or people with an Israeli stamp in their passport can get tourist visas, at least not officially.

The policy was until very recently declared quite proudly at their Web site (this is the cached version):



Everyone who enters the Kingdom should have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and the appropriate visa.


Unless you are a visitor from a GCC country or in transit, all other nationalities require a visa to enter the Kingdom.  Visas can be for business, tourist, transit, residency, family, Hajj, or conference attendance.


Visas can be obtained from the visa department in the Saudi Embassy of the visitor's home country or from Saudi Consulates available in all main cities around the world.


The cost of a visa is generally 200 Saudi Riyals however visitors should ensure that they check with the Saudi Embassy or Consulate.


Visas will not be issued for the following groups of people:



An Israeli passport holder or a passport that has an Israeli arrival/departure stamp. 

Those who don't abide by the Saudi traditions concerning appearance and behaviors.  Those under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted into the Kingdom.

There are certain regulations for pilgrims and you should contact the consulate for more information.

Jewish People



Here's the page at Congressman Weiner's website which details his complaint.

1 comment:

Damien said...

Pastorius,

I heard about this stupidity.