Saudi To Remove Books Deemed To Promote Terrorism

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - An official at the Saudi Education Ministry says the kingdom plans to remove books from school libraries that are deemed to encourage terrorism or defame religion.

The official said Tuesday the ministry has created a book review committee that will begin work soon. No further details were immediately available. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with ministry protocol.

The U.S. has pressured Saudi Arabia and other Arab governments to crack down on writings believed to encourage terrorism.

Saudi King Abdullah has encouraged reforms in the oil-rich kingdom.

In 2009, he opened a state-of-the art postgraduate institution where men and women study together - a move criticized by some in the highly conservative society.