RIYADH, 15 August 2004 — Non-essential diplomatic staff at the US Embassy who had left the Kingdom in April this year due to security concerns have been asked to return to Saudi Arabia.
The returning diplomats as well as the new appointees will now serve here only a one-year term unlike two to three years in the past. The one-year rule currently applies to US diplomats in Iraq and other strife-torn countries.
“The US State Department has decided to terminate ordered departure for the US mission to Saudi Arabia, including its Embassy in Riyadh, Consulate General in Dhahran, and Consulate General in Jeddah, and to designate these three posts as unaccompanied (with a one-year tour of duty),” Robert Keith, press attaché at the US Embassy, told Arab News.
He pointed out that after a careful assessment of the security situation in Saudi Arabia and the potential for future attacks on US interests and facilities in the area, the State Department has decided that family members will not be allowed to return at this time.
“As they were throughout the period of ordered departure, the US missions in Saudi Arabia will remain open to the public, including consular and public services,” Keith noted.
US missions in Saudi Arabia are notifying American citizens of these developments via the warden system. A travel warning reflecting this information and an assessment of the security situation is posted on the Internet at www.travel.state.gov.
Speaking on the current situation in the Kingdom, Keith said the United States is working closely with the Saudi government to combat terrorism and provide for the security of American citizens and facilities in the country.
“This cooperation will continue,” he added.
