Secret deals in arms and bananas that condemned a man to exile

Article Abstract:

The decision to expel dissident Saudi Mohammed al-Masari was taken by the UK government following a threat from Saudi Arabia that UK companies would lose the extremely valuable business in arms contracts in the 20 billion pounds sterling al-Yamamah deal signed by former prime minister Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. Masari has been offered political asylum in Dominica, which has recently received assurances from the UK that its bilateral aid will return to around 2 million in 1995/96, from around 500,000 pounds sterling in 1994/95. The Overseas Development Administration has denied that the increase in aid is linked with Masari's expulsion.

Economic assistance, Foreign economic assistance, Dissenters, Dominica

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Historic handover marred by snubs, fumble and farce

Article Abstract:

There is growing diplomatic tension between the UK and China regarding the handover of Hong Kong to China. Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Prime Minister Li Peng will not attend the farewell banquet being hosted by the UK on Jun 30, 1997, and it seems likely that Tung Chee-hwa, the future leader of Hong Hong, will attend the UK's farewell performance at the East Tamar military base only briefly, if at all. The UK is keen to emphasize that it does not believe that it has been snubbed by the Chinese.

International Affairs, Intnl Political Relations, China, Political aspects, Hong Kong, Chinese foreign relations, International relations

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Saudi threats forced Britain's hand

Article Abstract:

Saudi dissident Mohammed al-Masari has been expelled from the UK because the campaign against the Saudi authorities which he was leading from the UK was seriously damaging relations between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Senior Saudi officials made it clear to the UK government that further defence contracts may be endangered if no move was made to expel Masari. Some observers believe that the Saudi royal family has put pressure on the UK government on several occasions.

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