Bush Presses Saudis To Produce More Oil

[norml]

By JENNIFER LOVEN Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press

CRAWFORD, Texas Apr 25, 2005 — President Bush, meeting Monday with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah, was pressing that Mideast nation to pump more crude oil to ease gas prices at the pump.

"The crown prince understands that it is very important … to make sure that prices are reasonable," Bush told reporters before the Saudi leader arrived at his Texas ranch. "High oil prices will damage markets. He knows that. We'll talk about his country's capacity."

But the president then pivoted to the domestic situation. He said Congress needs to pass a comprehensive energy strategy. "Now is the time," Bush said.






Bush's goal of spreading democracy across the Arab world also faces a difficult test with Saudi Arabia, a longtime ally ruled by absolute monarchy. Traditionally Bush holds news conferences with visiting foreign leaders, but there will be none during this visit because Abdullah rarely talks with reporters.


snip


http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=700832