Administration Ready to Approve $3.2-Billion Sale of Tanks to Saudis
WASHINGTON — The Bush Administration is ready to approve a $3.2-billion contract enabling Saudi Arabia to buy American-made tanks, Rep. Mike Oxley (R-Ohio) said Thursday.
The deal, involving 315 M1-A2 tanks, should be completed by the end of the year, Oxley said.
General Dynamics Corp. will build the tanks if the arrangement is wrapped up. By law, Congress must have the chance to say no to the sale.
Meanwhile, the New York Times, quoting U.S. officials, reported in today’s editions that the Administration has informed Israel of its intent to sell the tanks and to take measures to meet Jerusalem’s concerns about security if the Israelis do not actively oppose the sale.
The paper said the Administration has decided to try to reach an understanding with the Israelis “that they not use their influence in Congress to try and block the sale.”
“Clearly there are always sensitive issues when you’re talking about military sales to Arab states, even moderate Arab states,” Oxley said.
If it goes through, the deal will increase production by 20% at General Dynamics’ Lima, Ohio, facility, Oxley said.
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