Gulf States Concerned Over 9/11 Bill

Gulf States Concerned Over 9/11 Bill

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- A grouping of six Gulf Arab countries is expressing "deep concern" over a bill passed by Congress that would allow families of Sept. 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia.

The head of the Saudi-dominated Gulf Cooperation Council said in a statement on Monday that the legislation runs against the principles of international law. GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif al-Zayani also says the draft law sets a dangerous precedent.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation last Friday, following earlier passage by the Senate. The White House has signaled President Barack Obama would veto the legislation.

Saudi Arabia has strongly objected to the proposed law, which would give victims' families the right to sue Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.

(KA)

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