Biden affirms human rights commitment as he warms to Saudis

By AAMER MADHANI and JOSH BOAK
Associated Press

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden says he has not changed his views on human rights despite his administration’s praise of Saudi Arabia for getting key oil producers to step up production. As a presidential candidate, Biden had pledged to make the kingdom a “pariah” over its abuses. Biden said Friday he has “no direct plans at the moment” to visit a kingdom that he’s previously criticized for rights abuses. A person familiar with White House planning but not authorized to comment publicly, however, said Biden has decided to visit Saudi Arabia as well as Israel, though the trip has not been finalized. He’ll likely add the stops to an already scheduled trip to Europe for a pair of summits this month.