U.S. PLAYS DOWN SAUDI HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States, intent on maintaining Arab supportfor its military campaign in Afghanistan, has played down human rightsviolations in Saudi Arabia. The State Department has refused to place Saudi Arabia as a "country ofparticular concern" regarding violations of religious freedom. Thedepartment issued a report over the weekend that covers the period of July2000 to June 30, 2001.