|
|
July 23, 2004 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|||||
THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES PRAISES ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE RECOVERY OF PRINCE SULTAN. PRINCE SULTAN RECEIVES PRINCES, THE GRAND MUFTI, THE CHAIRMAN OF JUDICIARY SUPREME COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF THE HIGHER ULAMAS' COMMISSION. Saudi Arabia called on the Palestinians to cast aside their differences and close ranks during the difficult circumstances they are facing currently. The appeal was made by the Council of Ministers, which met in Jeddah under the chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd. "The Cabinet underscored the importance of the Palestinian people displaying solidarity, especially in these difficult circumstances, uniting and reaching a common view," said a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. Dr. Ali Al-Namlah, minister of social affairs and acting minister of culture and information, said after the meeting that the Cabinet called on the international community to rein in Israel to put an end to Israel's intransigence and continued aggression against the Palestinian people. The Cabinet called for reinstating the role of the United Nations in Iraq to help restore peace and stability to the country. King Fahd briefed the Cabinet on the discussions and contacts he held with world leaders over the past week on regional and international issues. The Cabinet also called for rationalizing the consumption of electricity and water in the Kingdom with the summer months driving the consumption to maximum levels. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz chaired the cabinet's weekly session at Al-Salam palace in Jeddah. At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques praised Almighty Allah for the recovery of Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and wished him permanent good health. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the Cabinet on the contents of talks, meetings, contacts and consultations held during the previous days with some leaders of countries and their envoys. These talks focused on the latest developments on Arab, and international arenas, particularly the situations in the occupied Palestinian territories and Iraq. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, the Minister of Social Affairs and Acting Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Ali Ibn Ibrahim Al-Namla said that the Cabinet renewed the Kingdom's call for the world community to confront Israel's stubborn policy and put an end to its aggressive practices against the Palestinian people, its challenge to the resolutions of the international legitimacy and its continuation of developing the nuclear program which leads to more security deterioration and instability in the region. The Cabinet stressed the importance of the implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice on the segregation wall. In this regard, the Cabinet emphasized the necessity for the solidarity and unity of the Palestinian people at these critical junctures. On the situation in Iraq, the Cabinet affirmed that Iraq's stability depends on the cooperation of all parties and the effective participation of the Iraqi people and the United Nations to halt the deterioration of security and the acts of violence which take place daily. The Cabinet also re-stressed the necessity of the activation of the role of the United Nations to achieve political stability and security in Iraq. Acting Minister of Culture and Information said the Cabinet then reviewed the domestic items including conservation of water and electricity consumption with the rising summer heat temperatures. As regards its agenda, the Cabinet took the following decisions: The cabinet approved an amendment of a Saudi-Qatari agreement concerning air transport services. Under the amendment, "aviation authorities" mentioned in the agreement are identified as the Aviation General Corporation for the kingdom and the chairman of the board of directors of Aviation General Corporation for Qatar. Minister of Finance or his deputy has been authorized to sign a Saudi-Iranian draft agreement for mutual administrative cooperation and assistance on customs issues. The cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding for scientific and technological cooperation between King Abdulaziz City for Sciences and Technology and the Science Academy in the Czech Republic. The cabinet approved appointment of members of the Health Services Council for three-year terms. The cabinet also approved some 14th grade appointments at some government agencies. On the other hand the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud received at Al-Salam Palace Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General. Prince Sultan spent a recuperation period after he left King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah following the successful surgery he underwent there recently. During the audience, The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was reassured on the health of Prince Sultan who thanked the king and Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, for their brotherly feelings wishing them good health, and hoping for stability and prosperity to the kingdom's people under king Fahd and the Crown Prince's leadership. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, also received at his palace in Jeddah Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. Prince Sultan spent a recuperation period after he left King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah following the successful surgery he underwent there recently. During the audience, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz was reassured on the health of Prince Sultan who thanked the Crown Prince for his brotherly feelings wishing him good health. The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minster, and other princes. The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz received Dr. Mohammed Saleh Ibn Taher Bentin on the occasion of assigning him as Chairman of the Saudi Post Organization at an excellent rank. The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz directed Dr. Mohammed to work sincerely to develop the organization. On his part, Dr. Mohammed appreciated this royal confidence in his appointment. The audience was attended by Prince Fahd Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, member of the Cabinet and President of the Council of Ministers' Court, the Chief of the Royal Protocol Mohammed Al Nuwaissar, Minister of State and member of the Cabinet Dr Abdul Aziz Al Khuwaitar, the Advisor at the Royal Court Ali Ibn Hassan Al Shaer, the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Abdul Aziz Al Salem, the Head of the Royal Protocol Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, the Deputy President of the Council of Ministers' Court Saleh Al Brahim, the Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Abdul Rahman Al Sadhan, the Deputy Chief of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques private office Sulaiman Ibn Al Amir and the Commander of the Royal Guard Staff General Abdullah Al Namla, ministers and senior officials. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received a number of princes who came to greet him. The princes expressed happiness for the recovery of Prince Sultan, and confirmed their readiness to work together for the sake of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The princes deplored the unsuccessful attempts of the deviant group to undermine security and stability in the country and to impede its march towards development, progress and prosperity. The meeting was attended by Prince Saud Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Fahd Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, the President of General Intelligence, Prince Mohammed Ibn Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Al Baha, Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of the Interior, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Assir region, Prince Ahmad Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of the Interior, Prince Abdul Ilah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Makkah region, Prince Mohammed Ibn Saad Ibn Abdul Aziz, Advisor to the Minister of Interior, Prince Faisal Ibn Bandar Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Al Qassim, Prince Fahd Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Assistant Minister of Defence and Aviation for Civil Aviation Affairs, Prince Saud Ibn Abdul Mohsen Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Hael region, Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Governor of Tabuk region and other princes. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received at his palace in Jeddah the Kingdom's Grand Mufti and Chairman of Senior Ulema Commission and Religious Research and Ifta Department Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh; Chairman of Judiciary Supreme Council and Commission's member Sheikh Salih Al-Lehaidan; members of the Commission; Sheikhs and callers who came to greet him. They also wished Prince Sultan success in his continual services to the homeland, citizens and the Muslim nation. On his part, Prince Sultan thanked them for their noble feelings, wishing them permanent good health and happiness. Prince Sultan stressed that he is at the service of his religion, the king and the homeland at any time and place. The meeting was attended by Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs, Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Tabuk Region, Prince Turki Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Culture and Information and Prince Salman Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Saudi embassy in the United States of America. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received a telephone call from Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz. During the call, Prince Mishaal inquired after the health of Prince Sultan who thanked Prince Mishaal for his feelings. Prince Sultan spent a recuperation period after he left King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah following the successful surgery he underwent there recently. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received a telephone call from Lebanese Premier Rafiq Al-Hariri. During the call, Al-Hariri inquired after the health of Prince Sultan who thanked him for his feelings. On the other hand road patrols started their work to link Riyadh and Assir regions. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Assir region said in an audience with the director of the police in Assir Major General Ali Al Hazmi and the Commander of the special forces Brigadier General Saad Al Maghrabi that patrol are working on all main road linking both regions. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal praised the work of the patrols. The Commander of the special forces Brigadier General Saad Al Maghrabi, said the first phase ended with linking Riyadh to Assir. He pointed out to the study conducted with the participation of police and traffic officials in other areas, in order to specify the most dangerous roads with the highest level of road accidents. The Commander of the special forces Brigadier General Saad Al Maghrabi added the first phase in linking Riyadh to Assir, while the second phase will include liking Assir to Jazan and the third phase will link Riyadh to the eastern region, through Hafr Al Baten. The Commander of the special forces Brigadier General Saad Al Maghrabi described the work of the patrols as a big step that has been made easy to achieve with the support of Prince Mohammed Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of the Interior and the following up of the Director of Security General Said Al Qahtani. The Commander of the special forces said the next phases will include covering areas inside Assir, as these areas are touristic. On the other hand in a lecture delivered in Skaka the Secretary General of the Muslim World League Dr Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsen Al Turki urged Muslims to unite behind their leaders, saying disunity is against Islam and that reform cannot be achieved through violence. "Disunity and factionalism are a calamity forbidden by God, who ordered Muslims to unite," Dr Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsen Al Turki said. Dr Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsen Al Turki warned that disunity could lead to enmity and infighting among Muslims. Dr Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsen Al Turki warned Muslims against disobeying their leaders and senior clerics, saying this amounted to disobedience of God. "They should know that obedience to Muslim leaders is a must in which Muslims have no choice. Disobeying the emir (leader) is like disobeying God. Muslims must not revolt against their leaders even if they are oppressors," Dr Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsen Al Turki said, citing the Koran. He warned that Muslim "enemies" were plotting against the Islamic nation by encouraging disunity between Muslims and their leaders. Dr Al Turki appealed to the Muslim youth to abandon extremist ideas, which only lead to violence. "Muslims must understand that the path of reform never comes through violence. Islam is not a religion of violence. It is a religion of mercy for everyone." He urged Muslims to shun extremism, avoid waging unjustified jihad and listen to their religious authorities and ignore fanatical interpretations of Islam. "One of the fallouts from extremism in understanding Islam is that some people call for jihad for the sake of God without justification," Dr Al Turki said. "These people raise the banner of jihad to draw the young into their ranks and not to fight for God," he added. "Young Muslims must try and better themselves and their country but not through violence, because Islam is not a violent religion, it is a merciful religion," he said. Dr Al-Turki emphasized that the struggle against a perceived evil should not lead to a greater evil. "The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) told us to combat evil. But there is a general rule to look at both advantages and disadvantages. And if fighting an evil leads to a greater one, then that fight is forbidden," he said. "Acts of sabotage such as bombings, murder and destruction of property are serious criminal acts and an aggression against innocent people... which warrant severe and deterrent punishment," the Secretary General of the Muslim World League Dr Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsen Al Turki said. Meanwhile Riyadh announced that the Saudi security forces received from certain countries some 27 Saudi citizens wanted for security reasons, several days before the end of the grace period of the royal amnesty set on July 23rd. In a statement issued by the Saudi news agency " a well informed source said that the specialized security side received 27 persons of security wanted persons of a Saudi nationality from sisterly countries,". The statement, which did not indicate, when the wanted were handed over, added that it is the interest of the investigation not to "give details at the meantime." One source said that "a great improvement" was made in the security cooperation between Riyadh and other countries. Security sources said that some of those militants came from outside the country to surrender, and that active negotiations, which could lead to more surrenders before the July 23 deadline, were under way. Those who have surrendered have been jailed and are being interrogated, the Interior Ministry said. Another Saudi security source said that many of the relatives of the suspects were contacting the authorities in recent days. He added " it is expected that there will be a greater move in the recent days of the grace period." He added " most of those persons were in Afghanistan and are not among those existing in Saudi Arabia." A Saudi official who mediated some of the surrenders called it encouraging. Several other Saudi militants surrendered in recent weeks, including two who were linked to al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. The Saudi government issued an offer of leniency last month which exempt terror suspects from the death penalty in Saudi Arabia but not from civil suits by their victims' families. It was made specifically to suspects in attacks inside Saudi Arabia, an official said, and does not apply to those wanted for attacks in other countries. A Saudi cleric involved in the amnesty program has asked the Saudi government to extend the 30-day leniency offer, which is set to expire July 23. Meanwhile and in line with the royal directive, the ministry of interior attracted the attention that the pardon limited period granted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz to individuals of the deviating group to surrender to authorities will expire on Thursday evening, July 22, an official source at the ministry stated. As for some individuals who requested to be included in the pardon and they are in remote areas, they can inform of their desires before the expiry date to make use of the pardon call and later they can complete their measures, the source noted. |
|||||
