April 9, 2004

THE SECOND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER HANDS OVER THE 26TH FAISAL INTERNATIONAL AWARDS. PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ: KING FAISAL AWARD IS UNIQUE, IT SERVES A DISTINCTIVE AIM. WHOEVER ADHERES TO THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM AND WORKS FOR ENHANCING THE PILLARS OF SECURITY IN HIS COUNTRY AND KEEP HIMSELF AWAY FROM TERRORIST ACTS AND FROM SPITEFUL FOREIGNERS, WHO HAVE BEEN HATCHING PLOTS AGAINST OUR COUNTRY, WILL NEVER BE HARMED. PRINCE KHALID AL-FAISAL: TERRORISM WILL NEVER AFFECT US. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul-Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, handed over King Faisal International Awards to five scholars from the Middle East, Asia and Europe, at a special ceremony held last night at Al-Faisaliah Center in Riyadh. Upon arrival at the venue Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz was received Prince Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Assir region, and Director General of the King Faisal Foundation, Prince Turki Al-Faisal Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Prince Bandar Ibn Saud Ibn Khalid Deputy Director General of the King Faisal Charitable Foundation and the Secretary General of the Award Dr Abdullah Al Saleh Al Otheimein. In his speech Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz said the King Faisal Award is unique, it serves a distinctive aim. Memorial pictures were taken then Prince Khalid Al-Faisal delivered a speech in which he welcomed Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz and the attendance and stressed that the meeting is renewed each year stressing the terrorism and wrong fatwas do not affect the kingdom and presented his congratulations to the winners of the award. The SR750,000 prizes are awarded each year for outstanding work in the fields of science, medicine, Islamic studies, Arabic literature and service to Islam. The winners were announced on January 27. The ceremony was also attended by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Assir region, who is also the director-general of the King Faisal Foundation. This year's science prize went to Dr Samir Zaki, a professor of neurobiology at University College London, for his seminal work on the organization of the visual brain. A statement by the King Faisal Foundation said Zaki was "the first to show that the visual brain consists of many different areas that are functionally specialized to process and perceive different attributes of the visual scene." "Professor Zaki's contributions have had a tremendous impact on the biology of vision," said the statement. In his acceptance speech, Professor Zaki said knowledge, despite its proliferation across many fields, was infinite in scope and dimensions. He quoted Isaac Newton who once observed: "I do not know what future generations will make of me, but I feel like a schoolboy on a beach, throwing mere pebbles into the vast unknown ocean beyond." Swiss Professor Ulrich Sigwart, a professor of cardiology and chief of the cardiology center at Geneva University, won the prize for medicine. The prize for Arabic language and literature went to Hussain Muhammad Nassar of Egypt, a professor of Arabic language at Cairo University. In addition to writing books and articles on Arabic, Professor Nassar has also edited several anthologies of the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras, the statement said. Dr. Ali Ahmad Nadvi from India and Dr. Yaqoub Al-Bahussain from Saudi Arabia shared the prize for Islamic Studies. In a book on Islamic jurisprudence in financial matters, Dr. Al-Nadvi has attempted to adapt some of the concepts of earlier Islamic scholars to modern circumstances, according to the citation. Dr. Al-Nadvi, who is the head of Shariah advisers at Al-Rajhi Financial Company, said one of the most distinctive features of Islamic Shariah is its stress on humanism and justice. He quoted from the Holy Qur'an: "Let not the hatred of others make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just; that is next to piety." Dr. Al-Bahussain has made original studies of the fundamental rules of Islamic jurisprudence. The Five scholars from the Middle East, Asia and Europe were honored at a sumptuous ceremony for winning King Faisal international awards. The SR750,000 prizes are awarded each year for outstanding work in the fields of science, medicine, Islamic studies, Arabic literature and service to Islam. The winners were announced on January 27. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Seputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, presided over the ceremony at Al-Faisaliah Center. It was opened by Asir Governor Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, who is director-general of the King Faisal Foundation. The awards were established in 1979. The prize is considered the Arab Nobel Prize, and several winners of the King Faisal prize have also won the Nobel. The citations were read out by Dr. Abdullah Al-Othaimeen, secretary-general of King Faisal International Prize. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Director of King Faisal Foundation, had announced the winners of the 2004 King Faisal International Prize. The prize for Science (Biology) has been awarded to Professor Samir Zaki (UK), Professor of Neurobiology at the University College, London, for his seminal work on the organization of the visual brain. He was the first to show that the visual brain consists of many different areas that are functionally specialized to process and perceive different attributes of the visual scene. His subsequent studies have also shown that the visual brain perceives different attributes such as motion and color at different times, leading to the now widely accepted theory of temporal asynchrony in vision; which maintains that the visual consciousness consists of many different micro-consciousnesses that are distributed in space and time. Professor Zaki's contributions have had a tremendous impact on the biology of vision. The prize for Medicine (Invasive Cardiology) has been awarded to Professor Ulrich Sigwart (Switzerland), Professor of Cardiology and Chief of the Center and Division of Cardiology at Geneva University, and a renowned pioneer of interventional cardiology. Professor Sigwart is credited for conceiving and realizing endoluminal stenting which has dramatically changed the approach to the treatment of coronary and extra-coronary arterial disease worldwide. As a result of his innovation, coronary stenting has developed into a viable and effective alternative to bypass surgery. His courage and innovative spirit have also materialized the nonsurgial option of pharmacologic septal ablation in patients suffering from severe and obstructive septal hypertrophy. The Prize for Arabic Language and Literature (Preservation of Classical Arabic to the End of the Fifth Century A.H.) has been awarded to Professor Hussain Muhammad Nassar, (Egypt), Professor of Arabic Language at Cairo University, and a leading scholar of the history and development of Arabic Lexicography. This is best exemplified by his authoritative text: The Arabic Dictionary; its Origins and Development. In addition to many other important books and articles on that subject, Professor Nassar has also edited several anthologies of pre-Islamic and Islamic eras. The Prize for Islamic Studies (Basis of Islamic Jurisprudence) has been jointly awarded to Dr. Ali Ahmad Ghulam Al-Nadvi (India), Head of Sharia advisors at Al-Rajhi Financial Company, and Dr. Yacoub bin Abd Al-Wahab Al-Bahussain (Saudi Arabia), Associate Professor of Islamic jurisprudence at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. In his widely recognized book (in Arabic) on Islamic jurisprudence in financial matters, Dr. Al-Nadvi has not only reviewed the subject throughout Islamic history but has also attempted to adapt some of the concepts of earlier Islamic scholars to modern circumstances. Dr. Al-Bahussain has also made exhaustive and original studies into the fundamental rules of Islamic jurisprudence. The works of both laureates represent pioneering studies on a subject that has so far been given inadequate attention. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, had previously announced the winner of the King Faisal International Prize for the Service to Islam. The Prize was awarded to Field Marshal Abdul Rahman M. Siwar Addhahab of Sudan in recognition of his outstanding services to Islam. A devout Muslim, an accomplished leader and an individual of profound integrity and self-denial, Siwar Addhahab has devoted much of his time and thought to the pursuit of the Islamic cause and the welfare of Muslims not only in his homeland, but also in Africa and some parts of eastern Europe. He initiated and personally supervised the construction of thousands of mosques and drinking wells, and numerous schools, hospitals, dispensaries, child care centers and orphanages in these areas. Following its inception in 1977 (1397H), the King Faisal International Prize has quickly established itself as one of the world's most prestigious awards. This reputation could not have been accomplished without, firstly, the strict adherence to nomination and selection procedures to ensure that all the winners are selected solely on the basis of merit, and secondly, the continuous support of academic institutions both nationally and internationally Through the Prize, the King Faisal Foundation seeks to show its appreciation to those individuals who have rendered exceptionally outstanding services to Islam and Muslims, and to scholars and scientists who have made significant contributions and advances in areas that benefit developing and Islamic countries, and humanity at large. Each year, Islamic organizations, universities and other learned circles throughout the world nominate individuals for any of the five categories of the Prize. The winners are usually announced in January, and receive their awards two months later in a special ceremony held in Riyadh under the auspices of the King of Saudi Arabia. This ceremony is one of the most important annual events organized by the King Faisal Foundation. King Faisal Foundation believes that it is through the collective efforts of outstanding individuals that the highest aspirations are realised. The annual presentation of King Faisal International Prize enables the Foundation to reward dedicated men and women whose contributions make a positive difference: those who exceptionally serve Islam and Muslims, and the scientists and scholars whose research results in significant advances in specific areas that benefit humanity. This incentive also encourages expanded research that may lead to important medical and scientific breakthroughs. Merit and excellence alone are the criteria for selection. As testimony to the high calibre of Prize recipients and to the importance of the research carried out by KFIP laureates, nine winners have gone on to win Nobel prizes for the same works that were recognized by King Faisal International Prize. Incredibly, four of the six Physics and Chemistry Nobel Laureates for 2001 were former KFIP winners. Meanwhile Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, has described the persons who were earlier detained as 'outlaws who have revolted against their country'. "So differences exist between them and us, and the final decisive word will be determined by the Islamic Shariah," he said. "Whoever adheres to the teachings of Islam and works for enhancing pillars of security in his country as well as avoids himself from terror acts and keep away from spiteful foreigners, who have been hatching plots against our country, will never be harmed," he added. Prince Sultan, who was speaking after the ceremony to award King Faisal International Prizes, said five of the detainees have already been released. On the Saudi-American relations, Prince Sultan described them as "excellent relations." On the role of the Saudi National Commission for Human Rights, Prince Sultan said activities of the Commission will be dedicated for the service of citizens in the light of the teachings of Islam. Asked if the Commission could play a role on the issue of the detainees, Prince Sultan said 'the Commission hasn't been established to help wrong-doers, but has been established to help the ones who are unjustly treated.' He denied if the Commission was established under foreign pressures, he said it was established in the light of the teachings of Islam and for the service of our country. Reiterating the determination of the state to fight terrorism, Prince Sultan noted that the state had so far successfully pursued 80 percent of the terrorists, and it is hoped that the remaining terrorists will surrender. He added that the state will be ready to help them if they decide to opt for repentance. Prince Sultan denied press reports which said that after killing of a terrorist called 'Al-Hajj', another wanted man called 'Abdul Aziz Al-Meqrin would replace 'Al-Hajj' (in his place). 'A Saudi newspaper should never publish such lies', he added. On reports which said that Pakistani troops were stationed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan said 'Pakistan is a brotherly country, but not a single Pakistani soldier is stationed in the country'. "We depend on ourselves for the protection of our country," he added. Prince Sultan noted that the door of recruitment is wide-open for the Saudi youth either to join the Interior Ministry, the National Guard or the Defense Ministry. On Saudization of travel and tourism offices, Prince Sultan said Saudization is a national issue and cause." However, Saudization should be accompanied by training and qualifying of the national cadres so that they will be capable of filling various posts either at the public or privates sectors efficiently and successfully." On the so-called Middle East Initiative, Prince Sultan said the Americans had made it clear that it would not be compulsory. "However, the press (organs) which are under the Jewish influence tried to project the Initiative in a manner that would widen the gap between the Arab countries and the US." Prince Sultan highlighted the Saudi-Yemeni relations, and said these ties are "strong and fraternal." He pointed out that Saudi-Yemeni joint military maneuvers will take place within the next few months. On the other hand, Prince Sultan praised the role being played by Saudi women, and said more than four million Saudi women are now either studying or working at certain jobs. Asked if members of the Shoura (consultative) council would be elected in the future, Prince sultan said 'No', because election may pave the way for some illiterate persons, who are supported by their people, to join the Shoura. "For the Shoura, we select persons who are efficient, educated and cultured, and who are ready to devote their time in the service of their country', he said. "Anyway, if the Saudi people think that it will be better to elect members of the Shoura, then the government will welcome and realize their desire." Prince Sultan said municipal elections have been officially approved and announced. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Second Deputy Premier did not rule out elections to the appointed Shoura (Consultative) Council, saying they would eventually be held if the Saudi people so wished. Where elections (to the Shoura Council) are concerned, if their time comes and the Saudi people deem they are warranted, we will not fail to hold a vote, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz told the news conference. Saudi leaders promised in October 2003 to organize the first ever polls in the conservative kingdom within a year to elect half the members of new municipal councils. Semi-official reports around that time said polls would also be held within three years to fill one third of the 120 seats of the appointed Shoura Council, and that half the members of regional councils would be elected within two years. The municipal elections would be held in the coming months, Prince Sultan told reporters. At the press conference held prior to the awarding of prizes to the winners of the King Faisal International Awards, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, referring to Al-Madina report, denied plans for a new curriculum. Prince Sultan said the report by Al-Madina newspaper was totally incorrect and described it as lies. Prince Sultan is the president of the curriculum development committee. He told SPA and Okaz that neither the committee nor any other official source had made any statement regarding this matter. The Prince said prominent Islamic scholars and experts are currently studying the plans for the new curriculum. It is sad that some media are trying to create confusion among the public and spreading lies without investigating the matter thoroughly with the authorities concerned, he said. About the recently established National Human Rights Association (NHRA), he said that its objective is to fight injustice. NHRA was not established due to outside pressure, he said. He said the Kingdom has made considerable progress in its war against terrorism and terrorists. Regarding the recent visit of the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and US Secretary of State Colin Powell, he said relations with both the countries were excellent. Replying to a question on the purchase of French tanks and its effect on Saudi-US ties, he said Saudi Arabia is at liberty to acquire whatever it needs for the sake of the country s safety, he said, from whomever it wants. On the other hand Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received Dr. Abdullah Al-Faisal, Director of King Saud University; Dr. Abdul Mohsin Al-Dhuwayyan, the University's Undersecretary for Higher Studies and Scientific Research; Dr. Ibrahim Ibn Abdul Wahid A'rif, Chairman of Board of Directors of Saudi Society for Biology and Members of the Society who expressed their thanks and appreciation of Prince Sultan for accepting the honorary presidency of the Society. Prince Sultan also received Amro Al-Dabbagh, the Governor of Investment General Authority on the occasion of his appointment at this post. Prince Sultan congratulated Al-Dabbagh on this occasion, wishing him all success. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received at his palace Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Ulema Council and the Directorate of Scientific Research and Ifta. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Ibn Abdul Mohsen, the Governor of Hail region. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received at his palace the new designate members at the board of directors of the Tourism Higher Authority as well as old members whose terms of office have expired. During the audience, Prince Sultan thanked the old members for their significant efforts wishing the new members good luck. The audience was attended by Prince Sultan Ibn Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Secretary General of the Tourism Higher Authority