Probe urged into groups promoting US programmes

A document by the Saudi Minister of Interior spoke of attempts by some Arab organisations, supported by suspicious quarters, which it said are working to promote American education programmes in the Kingdom.

A letter addressed to the Education Ministry, the Interior Ministry named the Arab institutions and demanded an investigation into their affairs.

According to Al Watan newspaper, the document revealed the institutions were promoting their programmes which include distributing the addresses of American education institutions in Saudi schools and seeking to conclude contracts with Saudi schools for producing education programmes.

An education department source said the move by the Ministry of Interior is designed to protect Saudi schools and educational institutions from being infiltrated by foreign quarters.

Another source did not rule out the possibility of Israeli companies attempting to infiltrate the Saudi market.

More than 600 Saudi youth yesterday began a series of debates in workshops across the Kingdom organised by King Abdul Aziz Centre for National Dialogue.

The discussions will serve as a prelude to a national dialogue to be held in Dammam on December 7. The forum will focus on youth issues.