Rafha Crossing

RAFHA, 26 March 2004 — Businessmen in Rafha province on the border with Iraq are asking the customs department to reopen the Rafha border crossing, which was closed some 24 years ago, so they can resume commerce with Iraq. Business sources consider the crossing the quickest and most economical route for imports and exports as it lies on an international highway. Delays would harm many businessmen in Riyadh, Qassim and the northern region, according to Yassin Allawi, a Saudi businessman. He added opening the crossing would also help revive the area.