Saudi Arabia to learn from democratic mistakes of US: ambassador

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

HOUSTON, United States (AFP) — Saudi Arabia will learn from the mistakes of the West in developing its own democratic system, the kingdom's ambassador to the United States said.

A full democratic system ought to be in place in 10 years that addresses human rights, social responsibility and economic development through elected officials and non-governmental organizations, Prince Turki Al Faisal said at the US-Arab Economic Forum in Houston, Texas.

However, it will not necessarily be reflective of Western practices which often do not uphold democratic ideals, he said.

"One (example) is the Dubai ports deal," he said, referring to the scuttling of a deal with the United Arab Emirates to manage US ports due to pressure from US lawmakers.

"Who can tell me...