US Senate leader questions UAE firm's US ports deal

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist called to delay a United Arab Emirates company's takeover of operations at six major US ports, saying the deal raises "serious questions regarding the safety and security of our homeland."

Frist, one of US President George W. Bush's top allies, threatened to sponsor legislation to delay and review the deal, involving UAE state-owned ports operator Dubai Ports World, despite its go-ahead by the White House.

"The decision to finalize this deal should be put on hold until the administration conducts a more extensive review," Frist said in a statement, adding that the deal could have "a major impact on Americas security."

Frist's call came as furor mounted in the US over the deal, with US politicians...