Washington, USA - The U.S. State Department has asked Congress for more time on actions against countries of concern with respect to religious freedom, including Saudi Arabia.
In its September report on global religious freedom, the department designated Eritrea, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam as countries of particular concern.A range of U.S. sanctions are mandated against the countries under the International Religious Freedom Act.The act allows waivers, however.
"We've been actively engaged with all three in working for improvements in respect for religious freedom in those countries," deputy department spokesman Adam Ereli said.
He cited "some important progress" of "varying degrees" with those countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have expressed particular concern at the lack of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the Arab world.
Ereli noted all the countries had taken "some actions" since September.
A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Vietnam had made the most progress.The department has asked Congress for a few more weeks, the official said, but would not elaborate.