[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 124 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REMARKS ON HILL INTERNATIONAL CLAIM AGAINST THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

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                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 1998

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
support of the claim filed by Hill International, Inc. against the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I have been involved in this fight with Hill 
since they approached Members and Senators for help more than five 
years ago, and I am dismayed by the refusal of the Saudis to settle 
their debts with American businesses.
  In the late 1970's, the Saudi Royal Commission refused to pay for $55 
million in additional engineering work required on a desalination plant 
in Yanbu City, Saudi Arabia. A compromise negotiated three years ago by 
the late Representative Bill Emerson remains unpaid by the Saudis. 
Saudi Ambassador Bandar is now refusing to admit he ever asked 
Representative Emerson to help broker the claim. This is 
unconscionable.
  In a recent discussion with Assistant Secretary of State Martin 
Indyk, I reiterated Hill International's request for a meeting with 
Ambassador Bandar and interested Members of Congress. With the expected 
visit of Crown Prince Abdullah to Washington, DC on September 24th, I 
would hope Ambassador Bandar would want to avoid an embarrassing 
situation and arrange our meeting promptly. To continue his present 
course of action would reflect poorly on our friendly relations with 
our ally in the Persian Gulf.
  Hill International employees about 100 people in Willingboro, New 
Jersey which I represent. The failure of the Saudis to pay this claim 
put the jobs of my constituents at risk. I urge a quick resolution on 
this matter.

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