WASHINGTON, 24 March 2007 — Ford Fraker, President Bush’s choice to become the next US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday.
He told the committee members that Saudi Arabia has made and continues to make progress in the fight against terrorism, and that if his nomination is confirmed, he will work with the Saudis to further anti-terrorism efforts.
Fraker, who is chairman of the London-based investment banking firm, Trinity Group Limited, was nominated last month by President Bush to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Fraker once served as head of banking for Saudi International Bank.
“Hundreds of terrorists have been arrested and killed in the last three years,” Fraker said before the Senate committee. “I believe the Saudis have come to understand the need to address the roots of extremism that underlie terrorism, especially the need to aggressively deny financial support for terrorist organizations. If confirmed, I will be committed to expanding and deepening our efforts in these critical areas.”
Fraker called on Saudi Arabia to move forward on economic, political and social reforms.
Regarding Iraq, he said the Saudis will continue play a positive role in bringing stability there.
“I know also they have encouraged Sunni elements to participate in the political process in Iraq from a regional stability standpoint,” said Fraker. “It has been made clear to us and clear to them that it is in nobody’s interest to have a fractured Iraq on their border.”
Senator John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat, praised Fraker’s qualifications and predicted that he would be easily confirmed by the Senate. Such confirmations are usually decided within weeks.
If he is confirmed, Fraker would replace US Ambassador James Oberwetter in Riyadh.
