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'Fahd's reforms a codification of royal authoritarianism1
CAIRO, May 18 : A New York-based human rights group made a scathing attack on reforms announced by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, saying they merely "codify royal authoritarianism." reports Reuter
1n a 62 page report sent to Reuters tn Cairo, Middle East Watch, an arm of human rights watch criticised the US administration for praMng the reforms, announced on March 1.
"While these laws constitute significant steps towards codifying the largely unwritten K system of the country, they fall far short tcmatlonaJly recognised standards in their treatment of civil and political rights," tt said
These taws had been long overdue — disappointingly. the final products are far below expectations," the report added
King Fahd, under growing domestic and foreign pressures to Introduce democratic reforms Into hts extremely conservative kingdom. Issued three "basic laws' on March 1 One of them provides for an appointed consul tattve council
But In an Interview published on March 28. the monarch ruled out elections and western style democracy In Saudi Arabia, saying they were unsuitable for the region
US officials have said the new Saudi laws are 'very Important steps" on the road to democratlsation.
But the report said, "while the United States publicly pushes for democratic reforms in Cuba. Iraq. Kenya and elsewhere. It has remained mute towards one of the most slngu tarty undemocratic nations In the world. Its long time ally Saudi Arabia
"It (Middle East Watch) calls on the US administration to take advantage of the 50 year old special relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia to press for taws that do more than codify royal authoritarianism." It said
The group criticised the way the laws were drafted by an ad hoc committee headed by Prince Nayef fbn AbduItazu, the king s brother. Prince Nayef also heads the Interior Ministry, which the report described as "the principal government agency Identified with most violations of human rights In Saudi Arabia
It attacked the new honaultatlve council, saying the statutes gave the king the right to dismiss any or all of Its 61 members
The report also accused the Saudi government of putting pressure on neighbouring Oulf stales to limit democra'lc reforma
The report called for an explicit Saudi ban on torture, extra judicial killings and discrimination on the baste of gender or religious beliefs
It said that the reforms did not protect free speech, assembly or association and that Saudi I-aw tn fact banned most forms of association. Including trade unions and political parties.
"No change Is contemplated tn these areas." tt said
"Comments by Saudi leaders since the taws were Issued have not Indicated that the new statutes are a beginning towards a full process of democratlsatton." tt added. Rather, they appear to be the maximum concessions that the ruling family Is willing to grant In response to both Internal demands and external pressures."