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February 27, 2004 |
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***** The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Brunei Dar Al-Salam's Sultan Hassan Al-Bolkiah Mueziddin on the occasion of his country's national day. In his own name and on behalf of the Saudi government and people, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques wished the Sultan permanent health and happiness and the brotherly people of Brunei steady progress and prosperity, praising distinguished relations binding the two countries and their peoples. The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo on the occasion of his country's national day. In his own name and on behalf of the Saudi government and people, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques wished the President permanent health and happiness and the friendly people of Guyana steady progress and prosperity, praising good relations binding the two countries and their peoples. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of condolences to Iran's President Sayyed Mohammed Khatami of Iran on the train explosion which killed and injured hundreds of passengers and left great damage in the Iranian city of Nishapur. In his cable, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed in his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, his warmest condolences and sympathy for the relatives of the victims. Similar cables were sent to President Khatami and the people of Iran by Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has ordered the Ministry of Finance to pay an amount of SR 555 million as the outstanding balance to barley and wheat farmers for the year 1421H. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also directed the Ministry to pay an amount of SR 3, 400 million to farmers as full due amount for the year 1422 H. This was announced today by Minister of Agriculture Dr. Fahd Ibn Abdul-Rahman Bal-Ghunaim, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Organization of Flour and Grain Silos. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received at his palace Prince Sultan Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the General President of Youth Welfare and President of Saudi Football Federation; Prince Nawaf Ibn Faisal Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Vice General President of Youth Welfare and Vice President of Saudi Football Federation; Prince Turki Ibn Khalid Ibn Faisal, Member of the Federation and the Supervisor of the Team; a number of sports officials; and players of the team on the occasion of winning the Arab Gulf 16th Championship Cup recently held in Kuwait. The Crown Prince congratulated them on this sports achievement, urging on developing their standards and earnestly working to highly raise the Kingdom's flag at all sports arenas in which they participate. Prince Abdullah stressed on adhering to Islamic religion in their matters, wishing them all success. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz presented them gifts and rewards. The audience was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court and other officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received at his palace Prince Sultan Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the General President of Youth Welfare and President of Saudi Football Federation; Prince Nawaf Ibn Faisal Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Vice General President of Youth Welfare and Vice President of Saudi Football Federation; a number of equestrian sports officials; and horsemen of the Kingdom's equestrian team on the occasion of winning the first position at the Islamic Equestrian Championship recently held in Riyadh. The Crown Prince congratulated them on this sports achievement, urging on developing their standards and earnestly working to highly raise the Kingdom's flag at all regional, continental and international sports arenas. Prince Abdullah laid stress on behaving well and adhering to the Islamic religion in all their matters. The Crown Prince presented them gifts and rewards. The audience was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court, other princes and officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received the Italian Minister of Health Gerolamo Sirchia and his accompanying delegation. During the audience, the visiting minister conveyed regards of the Italian President Carlo Ciampi and Premier Silvio Berlusconi to Prince Abdullah who, in turn, sent the Italian leadership his best wishes. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court; Dr. Hamad Al-Mane', Minister of Health; the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom Armando Sanjuini and other officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received a delegation of France's National Assembly headed by Jean Louis. During the audience, Louis conveyed regards of France's President Jacques Chirac to the crown prince who, in turn, sent the President his best wishes. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court; Dr. Salih Ibn Humaid, Chairman of Shoura Council and other officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received Lebanon's Minister of Tourism Ali Abdullah and a delegation of the Lebanese businessmen participating in Saudi-Lebanese Forum. During the audience, the minister conveyed regards of Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud and Premier Rafiq Al-Hariri to the crown prince who, in turn, sent the Lebanese leadership his best wishes. The audience was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court and a number of officials. Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz for his parents' foundation for housing has held a ceremony for the distribution of the prizes for housing development in different areas of the Kingdom and an exhibition for the projects at the Marriot hotel. The ceremony started with readings from the Holy Quran then Dr Mohammed Ibn Abdul Rahman Al Hossein delivered a speech in which he gave details of the different projects implemented by the foundation. The Secretary General of the foundation Dr Youssef Al Uthaimain handed over the certificates and addressed thanks to the Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received Prince Al-Hasan Ibn Talal and his son Prince Rashed Ibn Al-Hasan Ibn Talal. The audience was attended by Prince Sattam Ibn Abdul Aziz, Vice-Governor of Riyadh Region, Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court, and other officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received the South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pan Ki-mun and his accompanying delegation. During the audience, Pan conveyed regards of South Korean President No Muhyon and Premier Ko Kon to the crown prince who, in turn, sent the Korean leadership his best wishes. The audience was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard,, the Advisor at Crown Prince's Court; Dr. Nizar Ibn Obaid Madani, the Assistant Foreign Minister, the Korean Ambassador to the Kingdom Kang Gwang-Won and other officials at the Korean embassy. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, received the Jordanian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Kaftan Al Majali. During the meeting, a number of topics of mutual concern were discussed. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General received Lebanon's Minister of Tourism Ali Abdullah and a delegation of the Lebanese businessmen participating in Saudi-Lebanese Forum started. During the audience, the minister conveyed regards of Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Rafiq Al-Hariri to the crown prince who, in turn, sent the Lebanese leadership his best wishes. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General received at his palace the Ambassador designate of the United States of America to the Kingdom James C. Oberwetter. During the meeting, a number of topics of mutual concern were discussed. The meeting was attended by a number of officials at the U.S. embassy. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General, received at his palace the Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pan Ki-mun and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, topics of mutual concern were discussed. The meeting was attended by Dr. Nizar Ibn Obeid Madani, the Assistant Foreign Minister, the Korean ambassador to the Kingdom Kang Gwang-Won and other officials at the Korean embassy. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region, attended the reception by the Lebanese embassy in honor of visiting Lebanese Premier Rafiq Al Hariri and the accompanying delegation. The reception was also attended by diplomats and dignitaries. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region, the Italian Health Minister Dr Gero-Lamo Sirchia. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Health Minister Dr Hamad Al-Mane and Italian ambassador to the Kingdom Armando Sanjuini. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the Governor of Assir Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Arab Thought Foundation, announced holding another forum under the theme "developing and assessing Arab universities" in Beirut next year. Addressing the closing ceremony of the Arab Forum on Education, Prince Khalid thanked Lebanon's president, government, cultural organizations and people for the support they rendered to the ATF. This forum was quite successful, he said, noting that it has attracted some 2178 participants from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Algiers, the Sudan, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, Britain, Tunisia, Oman, Syria, France, Palestine, Qatar, Canada, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania and Latvia, out of whom 406 from Saudi Arabia and 911 from Lebanon. He added that a record 167 participants have addressed the forum. Then Prince Khalid declined to answer a question whether religion or politics manage to derail the developing process of the Arab curricula, noting that this is a politically-oriented question at an educational event. He explained that the foundation's meetings don't issue recommendations or decisions as they are occasion for discussion and exchange of views. Prince Khaled Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for Military Affairs, received at his office the Commander of U.S. Navy General David Teculos. The meeting was attended by the commander of the Navy Prince Fahd Ibn Abdullah IbnMohammad and a number of U.S. military officials. Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America, met with the US Secretary of Health and Humanitarian Services, Tommy Thomson. They discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in the health sector services as well as between the hospitals in the Kingdom and the U.S. National Health Institute. The Ambassador of Spain to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia paid a visit to Naif University for Science and Technology. He was received by Dr Abdul Aziz Sakr Al Ghamdi, Director of the University who briefed the Ambassador on the university. Ways of cooperation between the university and similar institutes in Spain were also discussed. The Ambassador then toured the different departments and was briefed on the different activities of the university. Prince Abdullah Ibn Faisal Ibn Turki Al Saud , the Chairman of the General Commission for Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attended at Holland's capital of the Hague the reception party held in his honor by the Saudi Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Waleed Ibn Abdul Kareem Al Khiraiji. The reception was attended by a number of government officials and businessmen. Prince Faisal was attending the meeting of the European Saudi academics in Holland. The Foreign Relations Committee of the Shoura (Consultative Council) held a meeting with the delegation of the French National Assembly (Parliament), which is currently visiting the Kingdom. The participants of the meeting reviewed means for enhancing cooperation between the Shoura and the French Parliament in addition to a number of political and economic topics. An official source at the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia clarified that Abbas Madani attended, among other pilgrim guests who have not any official quality, the annual party held by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz in honor of pilgrim guests for Hajj season of the year 1424H., in Mina, stressing that his presence has not any political indications. The source added that relations between the Kingdom and Algeria are brotherly, firm and deep-rooted and they will continue on this track to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly countries. The Saudi Television will start the transmission of video information channel in Arabic on the frequency of the news channel at an average of 12 hours daily from 2.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, the Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Fuad Ibn Abdul Salam Al-Farsi said that the transmission of the information channel is owing to the continual support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Crown Prince and the Second Deputy Premier for the Saudi media. He pointed out that the channel will present distinguished news, cultural, technical and sports items in line with the technological and information development. The United States has authorized the return of non-essential diplomats and their families to Saudi Arabia, two months after they were told to leave the kingdom for security reasons. American Embassy officials in Riyadh said they were confident that the Saudi authorities were capable of protecting both American citizens and foreign residents. The Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed þAl-Jaber Al-Sabah said in an interview, that the State þof Kuwait forwarded USD 1.5 billion and wrote off most of Iraq's accrued þdebts, after the US-led coalition Iraq Freedom war that toppled the former þ þregime. þHe told "Al-Ayam" Arabic Daily published today that the defunct Iraqi þregime shoulders the responsibility for the current sufferings of the people, because this was a natural outcome of 35 years of unilateral rule and þ þchanneling of Iraq's huge resources for fanning wars within and off the þ þcountry's borders.þ He also charged some Arab media members of dimming Iraq's internal crisis and referred to the recent oil coupons scandal, hoping that the new Iraqi leadership would work for the optimum exploitation of resources.þ He said that Kuwait agrees with all on dire need for running elections and the transfer of power to a permanent Iraqi government.þ On the Arab League he called for activating its role and amending its þconvention to the extent that enables it of solving the Arab differences away þfrom use of arms.þ In conclusion he said Arab states should soon go along the peace track. þ Saudi Ambassador to India Saleh Ibn Mohammad Al-Ghamdi gave here a dinner party to honor the Saudi delegation participating in New Delhi's Book Fair. The participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the fair included different cultural, economic, scientific, and religious publications. Explaining the fate of A'amer Ibn Mohsin Ibn Moraif Al Zaidan Al Shihri, one of the previously announced wanted men, an official source at the Ministry of Interior has stated that the aforementioned man died of wounds sustained during a clash with police in Alswaidi neighborhood on 12/9/1424 H and was buried by his accomplices outside Riyadh. The source added that the wanted man's accomplices told police about the location of his grave and after recovering his body, DNA tests proved that the body belonged to that wanted man. The source said that following completion of all necessary procedures, the body of the wanted man was handed to his family. Health Minister Dr. Hamad Ibn Abdullah Al-Mane' met with Italy's Health Minister Dr. Gerolamo Sirchia and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed a number of health topics including cooperation in genetic blood diseases and exchange of expertise in the field of training and treatment. The meeting was attended by a number of officials. Health Minister Dr Hamad Al-Mani reviewed here on Sunday with his Italian counterpart Dr Gero-Lamo Sirchia, who is currently on a visit to the Kingdom, issues pertaining to medical cooperation between the Kingdom and Italy including cooperation in the field of organs transplantation. Meanwhile, the Italian Minister hailed the excellent medical services being extended by the Kingdom to its citizens. He reiterated the keenness of Italy on enhancing cooperation with the Kingdom in the medical sphere. Italian Health Minister Dr Gero-Lamo Sirchia visited here on Saturday King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, accompanied by Italian ambassador to the Kingdom Armando Sanjuini. He was welcomed by a number of officials of the Hospital. The Italian Minister toured various departments at the Hospital, and exchanged views with its officials on aspects of medical cooperation between the Kingdom and Italy. Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali returned home after a visit to the United States. During the visit, the Tunisian President held talks with U.S. President George W. Bush on the latest developments in the Middle East and the current international issues in addition to bilateral relations. An agreement on encouraging American investment and the economic partnership in Tunisia to boost economic and investment ties was signed between the two countries during the visit. Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah þAl-Ahmad Al-Sabah affirmed the need to hasten the process of þtransferring power to the Iraqi people after holding well-prepared elections. In a lengthy interview with the Egyptian Arabic daily Al-Ahram, Sheikh Sabah said Kuwait has agreed with Egypt, Iraq and the rest of þthe countries neighboring Iraq during the recently-hosted meeting on the need þto hold elections and transfer power to a permanent Iraqi government.þ The current plight of Iraq is the natural result of 35 years of unilateral rule and the channeling of a nation's energy towards wars, both internal and external, Sheikh Sabah said, adding that such wars have destroyed the basic infrastructure of the Iraqi people. þ Sheikh Sabah considered, however, the idea of a division of Iraq þis far-fetched, noting that the people of Iraq have shown great ability for þself-control and civilized behavior with changes that have taken place.. The new Iraq that we hope for is an Iraq of democracy and development, as þwell as an Iraq of construction and proper use of resources, in order to help þits people and not destroy them Sheikh Sabah said. He added, "We strongly believe in activating the Arab League role in the þregion, and granting it more power to settle inter-Arab disputes, and þ preventing disputes that might turn into wars, in addition to establishing a þ law that would punish those attacking neighbouring countries."þ He also affirmed Kuwait's support of the Palestinian cause, highly þsupporting the Arab peace process, expressing the hope that Palestinians would þbe wise in their choices and actions, and that they have peace and stability after 50 long years of suffering and occupation.þ Meanwhile, Sheikh Sabah referred to the issue of Syria, and resuming negotiations, he said that in his last visit to Washington he had called upon þU.S. officials to grant the Syrian President a chance to clarify his views concerning peace.þ þ Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said similarities between Lebanon and Brazil, as well as a mutual desire to bolster bilateral relations, will contribute to the success of his visit to Brazil. Speaking in Brazilia, Lahoud, while in and official visit to Brazil, said Brazilian stands towards Lebanon have repeatedly expressed "solidarity and support," especially in Arab causes on the regional and international levels. Lahoud said such stands will promote cooperation between both countries, adding that his visit is "an opportunity to meet with Lebanese expatriates and discuss with them anything that could strengthen communication between Lebanon and his expatriates." He said the state's duty to expatriates was to remove all material and moral obstacles hindering their link with the country and promote their active participation in Lebanese life. The League of Arab States expressed worry over the ongoing excavation works by the Israeli government which resulted in the fall down of the path leading to the Moroccans gate. The Official Spokesman of the Arab League Secretary General said the ongoing excavation works by the Israeli government under Al Aqsa Mosque caused extreme worry and were regarded as acts of aggression violating the international legitimacy resolutions, and the legal status of the city of Jerusalem as an occupied territory since 1967. He referred to Jerusalem being on the list of Global Jeopardized Legacy, and pointed out that the occupation authority was not allowed to alter its milestones. Holding the Israeli Government responsible for any damage that might occur on Al Aqsa Mosque due to the excavation works, the Official Spokesman called upon the international community, specifically the parties concerned with peace achievement in the region, to urge the Israeli Occupation Authority take all necessary measures to protect the Islamic and Christian sacred places in Jerusalem against the threats caused by the Israeli practices aimed at the alteration of the identity of the city and its geographic and demographic nature. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message to the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. A statement issued by the Kremlin said the messaged dealt with enhancing bilateral relations and a number of international and regional issues of mutual interests. The Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Sultanov had arrived in the Syrian capital Damascus in a tour that to a number of Middle Eastern countries. On the other hand the Russian envoy to the Middle East Alexander Kaluygen has traveled to the region for talks to revive the Palestinian Israeli negotiations, within the framework of the road map. The British Embassy in Damascus reopened to the public after a nine-day closure for security reasons. In a statement, officials said the closure that began Feb. 10 was a result of "misleading media reports regarding the embassy." The statement did not elaborate and embassy officials were not available for comment. The statement said that the embassy would be open only for individuals who obtain appointments in advance. Those needing visas to travel to Britain must first apply at the downtown Damascus office of courier company DHL, the statement said. "The changes are in harmony with the revision conducted for the security of British diplomatic missions all over the world after the attack against the British Consulate in Istanbul (Turkey)," the statement said. A Nov. 15 suicide bombing attack on the British Consulate in Istanbul killed British Consul-General Roger Short and 15 other people. Syria described the embassy's closure as an "unnecessary measure." In London, the Foreign Office said Britain has closed its embassy in Damascus to the public for security reasons. Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi met with South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ki-mun Pan. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries in the petroleum field and prospects of joint investments. On this occasion, Al-Naimi said that there is substantial cooperation between the two countries as South Korea is regarded as one of the biggest importers of Saudi petroleum that stands at 700,000 barrels a day. He added that there are a number of petroleum joint ventures between the two countries. The former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein wrote a letter to his family for the international Red Cross to deliver, officials said. The message was handed over to a two-member Red Cross delegation that visited Saddam at an undisclosed location in Iraq, spokeswoman Nada Doumani said. The visit was the first the time the Geneva-based body had checked on Saddam since his arrest in an underground bunker in Tikrit on Dec 13. |