State Assembly to Hear Port Concerns

A dispute over the pending takeover of major U.S. shipping terminals, including Port Newark in New Jersey, will be addressed February 27 by state lawmakers. The state Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee is to consider a resolution condemning the Bush administration's approval of a deal permitting a firm owned by the United Arab Emirates government from taking over operations at the northern New Jersey container terminal. The committee will also consider other resolutions demanding that President Bush reconsider and reverse the decision involving Dubai Ports World. The Bush administration has been assailed in Congress by Republicans and Democrats for permitting Dubai Ports World to assume port operations. The company said on February 26 that it has agreed to a broader U.S. review of the security risks from its deal. The state of New Jersey and Port Newark's owner, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, last week filed lawsuits aimed at blocking the company from running the port. (Source: Newsday)