Bush administration decision to allow Arab company to run U.S. ports

President George W. Bush said Tuesday that the deal allowing an Arab company to take over six major U.S. seaports must go forward, and he would veto any congressional effort to stop it.

Photo: Bush administration decision to allow Arab company to run U.S. ports

"After careful review by our government, I believe the transaction ought to go forward," Bush told reporters who had traveled with him on Air Force One to Washington. "I want those who are questioning it to step up and explain why all of a sudden a Middle Eastern company is held to a different standard than a Great British company. I am trying to conduct foreign policy now by saying to the people of the world, `We'll treat you fairly."'

Bush called reporters to his conference room on the plane after it returned from a speech in Colorado and addressed a controversy that is becoming a major headache for the White House. He said the seaports arrangement was "a legitimate deal that will not jeopardize the security of the country", reports AP.

O.Ch.