Saudis drop request for A.A. missiles

Press, 22 May 1986, Page 6

Saudis drop request for A.A. missiles

NZPA-Reuter Washington

The White House has reported progress in its battle to overturn a congressional ban on a controversial arms sale to Saudi Arabia, but said more votes were needed as the deadline for a Presidential veto neared.

The President, Mr Ronald Reagan, had until early this morning (NZT) to veto a "resolution of disapproval” of the proposed sale. The size of the sale was reduced yesterday when the Saudis voluntarily withdrew a request to buy 800 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.

A fear among legislators that some of the portable, shoulder-fired missiles could fall into the hands of anti-American guerrillas was a main factor in Congress’s rejection

of the SUS3S4 million ($647.82 million) sale earlier this month. The Administration hoped the Saudi move would help Mr Reagan gain enough votes to salvage the rest of the deal, which now totals SUS26S million ($484.95 million) and would now give the Saudis nearly 2000 Sidewinder anti-aircraft and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Mr Reagan needs the support of 34 senators to sustain his veto. A spokes- ; man said yesterday that. he was making good progress in lining up the needed votes.

"We’re very close,” said Larry Speakes. The President would do “whatever is necessary” to prevail in the policy battle;

“The White House and the Saudis have caved in ... They’ve dropped the

key part of the package,” said Senator Alan Cranston (Dem., California), a leading Senate foe of the sale.

“The Stingers are a terrorist’s delight ... They were the most objectionable part of the package. I’m glad they’re out but I’m still opposed to a Saudi arms package.” Although the weapons would not be delivered to the Saudis until 1989, the Administration argues that the proposed sale is an important, symbol of America’s ties to moderate Arab States and its commitment to the security of the Gulf region. Opponents say Saudi Arabia should not receive the American ! weapons because it has not been helpful in promoting Middle East peace negotiations and has aided Israel’s enemies.