ABU DHABI — The United States and the United Arab Emirates have
agreed to resume cooperation talks amid congressional opposition to a Dubai
takeover of major American ports.
UAE Finance Minister Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qassimi has met senior Bush
administration officials during her visit in the United States. The
minister's visit was meant to restore economic cooperation in wake of the
failed attempt by the state-owned Dubai Ports World to operate six major
U.S. ports. The ports had been operated by the London-based Peninsular &
Oriental Steam Navigation Co.
[An Israeli firm Checkpoint has withdrawn its offer to buy a U.S.
defense subcontractor in wake of objections from the FBI and CIA, Middle East Newsline reported. Checkpoint
had offered to buy the U.S. firm Sourcefire for $264 million.]
"The deal has taken a security turn and it is well-known that security
issues are of high concern and sensitivity to the United States, especially
after the Sept. 11 [2001 Al Qaida strikes] events," Ms. Al Qassimi told the
official UAE news agency Wam.
On March 13, the two countries canceled Free Trade Agreement talks in
Washington amid congressional efforts to block the DP World deal. Many House
and Senate members said the Dubai state-owned firm was not capable of
ensuring security at U.S. ports.
DP World has pledged to relay U.S. port operations to an American
company. Officials said the process could take months.
Ms. Al Qassimi said no date has yet been scheduled for the next round of
FTA talks. She said the next round would be held in Abu Dhabi and might take
place over the next six weeks.
"The postponement was decided before the P&O [Peninsular & Oriental
Steam Navigation Co.]deal because some negotiating teams have not completed
their work," Ms. Al Qassimi said. "The
postponement was for technical reasons and has nothing to do with the deal."
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