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December 10, 2004 |
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***** The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to President Tarja Halonen on Finland's Independence Day. In his cable, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques hailed the existing relations between the two countries, wished good health to the President and constant progress and prosperity to the Friendly people of Finland. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nahayan of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) on the occasion of his country's national day. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Aziz wished the U.A.E. President continuous good health and happiness and his brotherly people steady progress and prosperity. Similar cables of congratulations were sent to the president by Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, will patronize the 3rd technical conference and exhibition organized by the General Organization for Technical Education and Vocational Training at King Faisal Conference Hall in Riyadh. The Conference aims at emphasizing the modern international trends which help developing technical education and vocational training as well as discussing development strategies. The Conference will center on two subjects: the first one relates to technical education and vocational training, while the second one will deal with researches. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, has issued an order to receive the Polish Siamese twins and perform the separation surgery for them at King Abdul Aziz Medical City of the National Guard in Riyadh at his own expense. This was announced by Dr. Abdullah Alrabeea'ah, the Executive Director General of Health Affairs of the National Guard. Dr. Alrabeea'ah said it is expected that the twins will arrive in Riyadh on Sunday 12/12/2004. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. received at his palace in Riyadh the General Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al Al Sheikh, who is also Chief of the Senior Ulema Commission and Religious Research and Ifta Department. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stressed Iran's positive role in regional developments and its contribution to achieving security in the region. In a statement to Iran's Mehr News Agency, Prince Naif said that the Kingdom and Iran can play important roles in stabilizing the Middle East particularly in Iraq, describing relations between the two countries as very excellent. He pointed out that the Kingdom and Iran are two regional powers that can bring about security and stability and assist the Iraqi government in spreading security and holding elections. Affirming that the Kingdom has been playing a positive role in bringing about security and stability in the region particularly in Iraq, Prince Naif said that the Kingdom believes that Iraq's destabilization will negatively affect the security of the region and neighboring countries. The Prince added that the Kingdom pays particular attention to Iraq's security, stability, territorial integrity and the national unity and objects any attempt to divide its ranks and target its unity and territorial integrity. As for terrorist acts in the Kingdom, he said that the Kingdom has taken important steps to combat terrorism and the destructive groups, noting that these groups have been trying to destabilize the Kingdom and spread panic and insecurity among citizens to carry out their wicked goals. Determining to eradicate terrorism with all forces, the prince affirmed that Saudi security forces have succeeded in taking important steps to uproot the terrorist groups. Prince Naif emphasized the important role of Iraq's neighboring countries in Iraq's security and stability through the control of borders and prevention of saboteurs and terrorists from crossing borders. He praised Iran's initiative to host the conference of interior ministers of Iraq's neighboring countries. Replying to a question on the Kingdom's intention to deploy troops to Iraq, Prince Naif said that Iraqis have troops to keep security, but we are ready to assist them upon their request. Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, received separately the Irish ambassador to the Kingdom Thomas Russell and the Afghan ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Kabeer Farahi. During the meetings with the Ambassadors, the Governor reviewed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and both countires as well as other issues of mutual interest. Prince Fahd Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Amir of Tabuk region and Chairman of the region Council has chaired the sessional meeting of the governors. He called on them to facilitates issues concerning the citizens and follow them up according to the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, his entrusted Crown Prince and the Second Deputy Prime Minister. He said that implemented projects must be followed up and reports should be completed while making sure to conclude all projects on time. The Chairman of the Saudi Shoura (consultative) Council Dr Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid received Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs Ijaz-ul-Haq, who was accompanied by a number of Ulema (Muslim scholars) and Propagators (of Islam). Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saleh Ibn Humaid called for the importance of the integration and unity of Muslims even if they are followers of different doctrines. On his part, the Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs welcomed the Chairman of Shoura Council and hailed the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for supporting Muslims all over the World. On behalf of the Callers, Musheer Ali welcomed Dr Saleh and wished for more contacts between Saudi and Pakistani Ulema and Callers as all Pakistanis respect the Kingdom and its Ulema and Callers for the efforts and facilities undertaken so far for the care, development and expansion of the Two Holy Mosques (in Makkah and Madinah). The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Ali Assiri. Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdul Rahman Al-Attiah said that the Culture Ministers agreed during their 12th meeting held here on Tuesday to conduct media coordination to fight terrorism. Speaking to journalists following the GCC Culture Ministers meeting Al-Attiya added that the ministers have also agreed to hold Gulf days in European countries to reflect the bright image of the GCC states and citizens. He indicated that the GCC Media strategy in Australia was given a priority during the meeting, noting that the strategy will be presented to the Ministerial meeting due to be held in Manama next month for approval. The GCC official commended the official and non official GCC mass media, pointing out that they are characterized with objectivity and serving the Gulf interests. Interim Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar has reaffirmed his support for holding elections on January 30 in Iraq, saying any delay would be a victory for violent foes and trigger resentment. In offering an upbeat assessment on the eve of a White House meeting with President George W. Bush, Yawar also voiced hope on Sunday that American troops could be withdrawn within a year or so provided Iraq's own security forces can take over. "I don't think it will take several years," Yawar told NBC's "Meet the Press" on a day guerrillas shot and killed 17 Iraqis working for U.S. forces north of Baghdad and six other people, taking the toll from three days of violence to more than 70. "It will take months," Yawar asserted. "Six months or eight months or a year. But I don't think it will take years. Definitely not." Yawar acknowledged that the Iraqi people are fearful amid stepped-up violence and said the international community needs to help. "We do not think that postponing elections ... will solve the problem. Actually, it will prolong the agony for Iraqis and you will have more resentment in the Iraqi society," Yawar said. Bush said last week that the elections should be held as scheduled despite calls for a postponement. The United States is sending extra troops to bolster security in the face of a determined insurgency trying to derail the polls with attacks against American and Iraqi forces. "We believe in Iraq that the main objective of these people who are committing these atrocities unjustifiably is to stop us from having our first chance to taste the harvest of liberating Iraq," Yawar said. "We should keep the (election) schedule according to what it is, and that (is) the 30th of January," he said. "We are asking the United Nations, the whole international community, to help us." Sheikh Salih Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid, Imam and preacher of the Makkah-based Grand Haram who is also Chairman of the Saudi Shoura Council, led the worshippers at Friday prayer at the Islamabad-based King Faisal Mosque. In his speech, which was interpreted into Urdu language, he underscored the importance of unity of Muslim ranks and strongly criticized violence and extremism. Ibn Humaid was in Pakistan to attend the Asian Parliaments Federation's meetings. Sheikh Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid denounced extremism and violence in his sermon. The sprawling mosque and its huge compound were packed to capacity. Thousands of faithful were present in the congregation. "Violence and extremism produce only worst results. Their perpetrators fail to achieve their objective and finally become their targets. Policies cannot be changed through violence and extremism," said Sheikh Ibn Humaid. He underlined the need for unity, love and affection. He said others (non-Muslims) should be given the right to differ and "We should engage in constructive debate and dialogue as violence and extremism only create problems." The Secretary General of the Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL), Dr Abdullah Al-Turki met in N’djamena with Ahmad Basher, Bahrauddin Haroun and Afkosoma Jonas, the Chadian Ministers of national education; culture and youth, and higher education and scientific research respectively. The Chadian Ministers highlighted the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for spreading the Islamic culture and supporting the educational institutions in Chad. They reiterated their keenness on enhancing cooperation with the MWL. The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Chad Khalid Ibn Abdullah Mufti, Secretary General of the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) Dr Adnan Basha and Director of Chad-based King Faisal University Dr Abdul Rahman Al-Mahi. Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said that through its continued policy of assassination the Israeli Government sends a clear message that it refuses to offer any opportunity of calm and putting the peace process back on the right track. In the Government meeting, in Ramallah, PM denounced the Israeli policy of assassination against Palestinians. He also reiterated that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is to begin the presidential elections on the ninth of the next month (January) as well as prepare for the municipal elections. In this regard, PM stressed that despite the PNA efforts to carry out such democratic process, the Israeli Government continues its policies of assassinations and colonial expansion. Prince Mansour Ibn Miteb Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Head of the General Committee for Municipal Elections, said the primary goal of conducting municipal elections in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is aimed at enabling citizens to contribute to the management of the municipal affairs. Prince Mansour, who was invited by King Abdulaziz Public Library, said the General Committee for the Municipal elections had sought the assistance of local and international expertise for preparing the required regulations and statues. 'We have sought the assistance of a team from the United Nations and a Saudi consulting authority for preparing the basic studies required for the formulation of rules and statues', he said. Prince Mansour pointed out that more than 173 municipal councils will be elected throughout the Kingdom at more than 600 voting centers. He noted that the process of registration of the electors was carried out easily and smoothly. Prince Mansour urged the citizens to report to the registration centers and to practice their voting right. A telephone call was made between President Bashar al-Assad and President Emile Lahoud of Lebanon on the latest regional developments. President Assad briefed his Lebanese counterpart on the latest talks held in Egypt with President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt. President Assad stressed Syria's firm stance vis-a-vis the just and comprehensive peace in the region, based on the implementation of the relevant international resolutions, particularly the two resolutions Nos. 242 and 338 and the Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands, implying the resumption of peace negotiations from the point they stopped at. During the phone call, both sides stressed the firmness and unity of the joint Lebanese-Syrian stance, particularly regarding bids to target this stance, and this has been expressed through the popular demonstrations which were held Tuesday in Beirut to show Lebanon's rejection of those bids. The two presidents stressed continuation of coordination and consultations in the interest of the two states. Security forces in Taif South West Saudi Arabia have detained a person suspected of being involved in terrorist attacks that took place in the Kingdom. Brigadier Mansour Al-Turki official spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior said the person has been detained in a house during last Friday prayers. Al Turki said the detainee surrendered without fighting and would be under investigation. Rumours said that the detainee is the oldest brother of Talal Al- Anbari one of the 26 wanted, who was killed last April, but Brigadier Mansour Al-Turki did not confirm the news. German authorities were uncertain how three arrested suspects were planning an alleged attack against visiting Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, chief federal prosecutor Kay Nehm said. Nehm said authorities had foiled a terrorist attack in arresting the three Iraqis in raids, but details of what was being planned were still not known. The men, aged 31, 30 and 22, are being held on remand only on grounds of belonging to a terrorist organization. It is thought the men belong to the banned northern Iraqi Kurdish group Ansar al-Islam, which is regarded by the United Nations and the United States as being responsible for some of the terror attacks in Iraq. UN organizations promised to increase their assistanc to Yemen, deputy Premier Ahmed Sofan said in a press conference held in Sana'a for the visiting UNDP administrator Mark Brown. Sofan pointed to the selecting of Yemen among other eight world countries to receive support for the Millennium Development Goals that aims at helping. He said that the visit of the UNDP official to Yemen came within the framework of the current arrangements of UNDP to implement a number of projects and programs in the country. The UNDP offered 60 million dollars to Yemen during four years, he said. Brown pointed out to the promises of UNDP to increase assistances of the UN organizations for Yemen. The UNDP administrator indicated to the link between current reforms in Yemen and poverty reduction, highlighting the role of local councils in enhancing the economic and social development. President George Bush has formally chosen former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik to lead the US Homeland Security Department, charged with safeguarding Americans from future attack. Kerik helped direct the emergency response to the September 11 terrorist strikes against the Twin Towers. “Bernie Kerik is one of the most accomplished and effective leaders of law enforcement in America,” President Bush said in nominating him to be his Homeland Security chief. “In every position he has demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, a heart for the innocent and a record of great success,” the president said in the White House. “I know what is at stake,” said Kerik, who also helped train Iraq’s police force. “On September 11, 2001, I witnessed the very worst of humanity, and its very best,” said Kerik, who faces confirmation by the Senate. He inherits a sprawling bureaucracy from homeland security secretary Tom Ridge, who resigned last month. The creation of the department in 2003 combined 22 disparate federal agencies with more than 180,000 employees. Kerik’s first anti-terrorism work was as a paid private security worker in Saudi Arabia. He joined the New York Police Department in 1986, first walking a beat in Times Square. He led the city’s Corrections Department and was appointed commissioner in 2000. Ten “Israelis” committed suicide over the past week thus bringing the number of those committing suicide in “Israel” over the past month to 37, according to Zionist security sources. The sources noted that the suicide cases were escalating in the Hebrew state, noting that three individuals took their own lives over the past 24 hours. They attributed the growing phenomenon to the worsening security and economic conditions in the Hebrew state as a direct result of the continuation of the Palestinian Aqsa intifada for the fifth year running. The sources pointed to the high percentage especially over the past three months compared to the same period of last year. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit said that the Syrian announced stance regarding peace negotiations is not new, and it is based on two basic principles, the land-for-peace formula and the implementation of the UN relevant resolutions. "The Syrian stance vis-a-vis peace process has always been based on two basic points, 'Madrid terms of reference' implying land-for-peace principle, and the implementation of the UN resolutions Nos. 242 and 338," Minister Abu al-Gheit said during a press conference broadcast on al-Jazeera and al-Arabia TV channels. Walid Jumblat has declared in Paris after a 45-minute conference with French President Jacques Chirac that he wants a "minimum degree of autonomy" for Lebanon. "Let me sum it up for the French media: No one in Lebanon is an enemy of Syria, but no one would possibly accept Syrian tutelage over Lebanon," said the leader of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party. Chirac had rolled out the red carpet for Jumblat as he arrived for Friday's tкte-а-tкte at the Elysee and escorted him to the doorsteps of the presidential palace when the audience was over, a treatment reserved only for heads of state and prime ministers, the Beirut media noted. A spokeswoman at the Elysee was quoted by An Nahar as saying Chirac had commended Jumblat's determination to defend the values of Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and democracy. Chirac also reiterated France's commitment to the full and complete implementation of U.N. resolution 1559, which calls for a total Syrian military withdrawal from Lebanon, the spokeswoman said. The National Society for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia noticed positive points in a report published on prisons in the Kingdom. It said cells and corridors are provided with air-conditioning systems, beds and covers are in a good condition and no one of the inmates complained from bad food or its scarcity but from repeating the same meals most of the time. The report said vocational training and technical training is provided. The NSHR has dealt with around 500 cases not only with regards to Saudi citizens but also concerning Arab nationals and expatriates. NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer made an unannounced visit to Baghdad to meet Iraqi officials and visit the alliance’s fledgling military training mission, a NATO official said. It was the first trip of any high-ranking representative of the alliance to Iraq since the start of the US-led war. NATO members including France and Germany opposed the war and have vetoed any future combat role there for the 26-member alliance. The official said de Hoop Scheffer met Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari to discuss the training mission, which NATO wants to expand this year into an officers’ training academy ultimately equipped with some 300 trainers. t present, the NATO presence in Iraq is around 70. “Iraqi officials told him the impact of the mission was proving more positive than expected,” said the official, who requested anonymity. No further details were available. Dr. Mervat Tallawy, Executive Secretary Economic & Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) announce the approval of concerned Arab government to revive the railway link (Damascus – Hijaz). Dr Tallawy considered the approval of both Saudi Arabia and Syria to renew the railway as an encouragement which will bring social and economic benefits to the area. The railway was linking Damascus to Al Madinah Al Munawarrah and was established in 1908, but it stopped on 1916 because of the first world war. Dr Tallawy announced the agreement of the 13 countries on western Asia on the establishment of a 36 thousand km long road that would link between those countries. She added after signing with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) a wide-ranging agreement that countries in the area have started to work for the implementation of the project. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi denied that Iran has detained elements from Al Qaeda in Kurdistan. Asefi said Iran entered into a dialogue with Europeans based on "mutual trust and for confidence-building," Asefi said, adding that if each side acted with honesty and transparency, confidence building will be consummated. Asked how the deal with Europe would affect Iran`s bid for membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Asefi said that the Europeans have become more supportive of Iran`s bid since after the Paris accord, but clarified that Iran`s entry into the WTO was dependent on many factors and not exclusively decided by the Europeans. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said that the fuss made by Bush administration officials and the US media regarding developments in Iran was not "new or unexpected." Speaking to domestic and foreign reporters at his weekly press briefing, the spokesman said that the US has finally accepted that it failed on Iran`s nuclear case. "They wanted to create another crisis but were thwarted by the wise policies of the Islamic system," Asefi said, adding that they (the US) failed to get international support to have the nuclear case of Iran referred to the UN Security Council and so, in their disappointment, are trying to create new pressures and antagonism against Iran. Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karami received Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Dr. Abdul Aziz Ibn Mohieddin Khoja. The two sides talked about friendly relations in all aspects and means to develop them. A session of political talks was held at the Foreign Ministry between the Sultanate and the Republic of South Africa. The Omani side was led by Yousuf Ibn Alawi Ibn Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs, while the South African side was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The talks covered bilateral relations and ways of promoting them and regional and international issues of common concern. The session was attended by Sayyid Badr Ibn Hamad Al Busaidi, ministry Under Secretary; Ahmed bin Yousef Al Harthy, head of the Arab department; Awadh Ibn Badr Al Shanfari, head of the economic and technical cooperation department; Mohammed Ibn Salim Al Shanfari, head of the African department; Salim Ibn Rajab Ba Omar, deputy head of the minister’s office department; Salim Ibn Abdullah Burham Ba Omar, deputy head of the organisations and international conferences department, and other ministry officials, as well as South African ambassador to the Sultanate Yaqoob Aba-Omar and the delegation accompanying the guest. Ahmed Ibn Abdul Nabi Macki, national economy minister and deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, received Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her delegation and discussed ways of promoting existing bilateral relations. Macki briefed the guest on the Sultanate’s plans and programmes for economic development and how to utilise available potentials. The meeting also dealt with the private sector’s role in both the countries to utilise available trade opportunities in the interest of the two countries. The meeting was attended by Dr Sheikh Abdul Malik Ibn Abdullah Al Hinai, economic affairs undersecretary, and other officials of the national economy and finance ministries. Maqbool Ibn Ali Sultan, minister of commerce and industry, also received Dr Nkosazana and the delegation accompanying her. They discussed ways to promote trade and economic relations between the two countries, as well as exchange visits between officials in the two countries. They also discussed the possibility for coordination between the two countries in regional and international organisations, such as the Indian Ocean Rim States Association and the WTO. The meeting was attended by a number of officials at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Dr Yaqoub Aba-Omar, ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Sultanate, attended both meetings. Dr Nkosazana visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with her delegation. She acquainted herself with the various sections of the mosque and its distinguished Islamic architecture. She was also briefed by officials on the mosque and its role as a religious, civilisational and cultural landmark. They also visited the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) where they were briefed on the services and facilities offered to investors by the KOM and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE). Sayyid Fahd Ibn Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, received at his office yesterday Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, foreign minister of the Republic of South Africa, who is currently visiting the Sultanate. Sayyid Fahd discussed with the guest ways of enhancing bilateral relations, besides issues of common concern. The minister expressed her happiness at the opportunity to visit the Sultanate, praising the country’s efforts to promote peace and stability throughout the world. |