|
|
April 15, 2005 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
||
|
|||||
THE CABINET CONSIDERS ATTEMPTS TO ATTACK AL-AQSA AS A DANGER TO SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES AND THE REGION. PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ: THE KINGDOM'S STANCE WITH REGARDS TO AL-QUDS IS INALIENABLE AND IT IS KNOWN SINCE THE ERA OF THE LATE KING ABDUL AZIZ. THE SECOND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: SAUDI-AMERICAN RELATIONS ARE STRONG, AND THE VISIT OF CROWN PRINCE ABDULLAH WILL FURTHER SERVE MUTUAL INTERESTS. THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE PALESTINIAN AND IRAQI ARENAS. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, chaired the cabinet's weekly session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh. On the reformation of the Shoura Council in its 4th session, the Crown Prince commended the council's achievements, opinions and studies, which have represented an effective participation in taking appropriate decisions for the interest of the homeland and its citizens. The Crown Prince expressed his confidence that the council's participation will be more effective and significant in the next session. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Iyad Ibn Amine Madani, the Minister of Culture and Information, said that the Crown Prince renewed his appreciation of and thanks to all military sectors particularly security men for their efforts in defending religion and the homeland against the deviating group which tries to tamper with security and stability. The minister noted that the Cabinet was briefed on the latest developments at the Arab arena and in this regard, the Cabinet denounced the explosion, which recently took place in Cairo and targeted its security leading to a number of victims. Warning against attempts of Israeli extremists to storm Al-Aqsa mosque, the Cabinet called on the world community to immediately pressurize Israeli occupation authorities to prevent such attempts which endanger security and stability in the Palestinian territories and the region, and obstruct peace efforts. The Cabinet again congratulated the new Iraqi leadership, wishing it all success and achievement of prosperity, security and stability for the brotherly Iraqi people. As regards the Islamic Solidarity 1st Championship currently in progress in the Kingdom, the Cabinet renewed the Kingdom's welcome to the delegates participating in the tournament, wishing them all success. The Cabinet lauded the Crown Prince's address to the championship in which he wished that this historical meeting among the Muslim youths will strengthen the feelings of fraternity, promote acquaintance and enhance pride in their identity and belief in the necessity of tolerance and moderation. The minister said the Cabinet then reviewed the local items on its agenda and issued the following decisions: The Cabinet approved amending Article 74th of the amended Civil Status system regarding the regulation of family and personal identification cards to read as follows: 1. The family card is granted for an infinitive period, but if its carrier dies, it is withdrawn and a substitute is issued in the name of the deceased for whoever wishes of his inheritors who were included in the card as his dependants, provided that a notice of "deceased" is shown on the photograph of the deceased. 2. The executive regulation fixes the duration of the validity of the personal identity card from the date of its issuance or replacement or renewal. It should be renewed within 180 days ahead of its expiry date. The Cabinet approved a draft agreement to establish a free-duty trade zone between the Gulf Cooperation Council member states and the Republic of Lebanon aiming at enhancing the economical and commercial ties among the respective Arab countries. The Cabinet also approved the Instalment Sale bill, which has been submitted to the Cabinet by the Shoura Council. The new system goes into force after 120 days of its publication in the official gazette while the minister of commerce and industry issues its executive regulation within 60 days of its publication. The Cabinet approved a draft of a memorandum of understanding for scientific and technological cooperation between King Abdulaziz City for Sciences and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Russian Academy for Sciences, Federal Republic of Russia, aiming at exchanging scientific information and technology, organizing scientific conferences, and drafting and implementing joint research programs. The Cabinet approved the transfer of Dr. Mohammed Ibn Mohammed Ibn Isa Assiri from the post of Assistant Undersecretary for Security Affairs to the post of Assistant Undersecretary of Assir Governorate; and the appointment of Ayedh Ibn Mohammed Ibn Saeed Dablooh to fill the portfolio of Assistant Undersecretary for Security Affairs at Assir Governorate; and Mishaan Ibn Mohammed Ibn Thawab Al Subaiee as Director General of Civil Status at the Ministry of Interior. On the other hand Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has highlighted the achievements accomplished by security men in the last few weeks. Addressing a press conference after patronizing a ceremony to award this year's winners of King Faisal International Prize in various categories, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz said names of the members of the Shoura (consultative) Council will be announced later in the day or tomorrow. He expressed appreciation for those who worked as members of the Shoura Council in the last twelve years. On the joint military manoeuvres carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Prince Sultan said they were not the first military manoeuvres to be carried out by the Kingdom with a neighboring country, adding that 'such manoeuvres will continue with all neighbouring countries'. On the issue of Al-Quds, Prince Sultan said the Kingdom's stance as regards Al-Quds is inalienable and it is known since the era of the late King Abdul Aziz. Underlining the importance of the forthcoming visit of Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, to France, the US and Canada, Prince Sultan said Crown Prince Abdullah represents an Arab and Muslim nation, and he is keen on the service of Islam and Muslims as well as his country's citizens'. He noted that the Saudi-American relations are strong, and the visit of Crown Prince Abdullah will further serve mutual interests, notably the Kingdom's interests. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom on joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) taking into account the importance of serving its own interests. Asked abut the statement of the Chairman of the Shoura Council in which he ruled out the possibility of electing members of the Shoura, Prince Sultan said the Kingdom differs from some other countries and it has its own idiosyncrasies. "The Saudis constitute one family and one party," he said, adding that 'for the time being the Shoura (Council) has been performing its mission in a satisfactory manner'. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz , the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General , has donated SR8,139,671 to build Prince Sultan Dialyses Center at Belteh General Hospital in the Republic of Djibouti. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the project, extended to Djiboutain authorities through Prince Sultan Special Committee for Relief, was held in Djibouti yesterday. The project will be implemented in 12 months, it was reported. The event was attended by Djibouti's Prime Minister Dileita Mohammed Dileita; Director General of Medical Services at the Saudi Armed Forces Major General Dr. Kitab bin Eid Alotaibi; Djiboutian Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Ali Kamal; Kingdom's Ambassador to Djibouti, Abdul Aziz Ibn Mohammad Al-Ayfan; ministers, parliament members, diplomatic corps accredited to Djibouti and a number officials. It worth mentioning that Prince Sultan has donated 20,000 palm seedlings to Djiboutian agricultural authorities, 1500 of which have been received by them last week. Meanwhile an official source at the Ministry of Interior issued a supplementary statement on surrounding and storming a den of a number of deviants in a residential site in Jawazat neighborhood in Rass governorate in Qassim Region which led to killing 15 suspects, arresting five injured along with the surrendering of one. The source noted that ten killed suspects have been previously identified and now four other killed suspects have been identified. They are: 1- Naif bin Mohammed Al-Aoshan He previously took part in incidents in Afghanistan . He joined the deviating group and had an information activity via the internet. He was involved in many acts of forgery. 2- Waleed bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Sama'ni He was detained for his deviating thoughts and suspected movements, but he was released after recanting. He provided a den for deviants in Qassim and moved among dens of deviants. He spread deviating propaganda via the internet and took part in attacking security men. 3- Miteb bin Hilal bin Minawer Al-Maqati He cooperated with the deviating group in facilitating their movements and in recruiting others . 4- Saad bin Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Aqeel He adopted the deviant thought and involved in attacking security men. He was wanted by security authorities for stealing a car to be used in a criminal act, which was foiled. The source added that the fifth killed suspect will be identified following the completion of measures. On the Palestinian arena the Palestinian Government welcomed the US President George W. Bush's statement, calling on the Israeli Government to freeze settlements on the Palestinian land and dismantle the "unauthorized outposts". An official spokesman said that the Government welcomed Mr. Bush's statement in which he expressed his "concern that Israel not undertake any activity that contravenes Road Map obligations or prejudice final status negotiations". The spokesman reiterated that the issues of borders, Jerusalem and refugees, are only settled through the final status negotiations. It affirmed that such negotiations should be based on international legitimacy, Roadmap and President Bush's statement in June 2002. The Government expressed hope that such US attitude will be as an initiative leads to the Israeli commitment to ending settling, especially around Jerusalem, and ending the construction of the Apartheid Wall. It thinks that Bush assert on a "contiguous and viable Palestinian state" as a rejection to Israeli settling blocks that rip- apart the Palestinian land. The Government reiterated its commitment to the peace process based on the international legitimacy and implementing the Road Map plan, despite the non-stopped Israeli attacks and killing of Palestinian children. During a joint press conference, held Monday in (Crawford, Texas) with Israeli Prime Minister, Sharon, US President Bush reiterated that the United States "supports the establishment of a Palestinian state that is viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent". He also affirmed that the US is strongly committed to the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. President Bush said that Israel must honor its commitment to halt the expansion of settlements on the West Bank after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. "I told the prime minister not to undertake any activity that contravenes the road map or prejudices final status obligations," Bush said. But he repeated his belief that "new realities on the ground" mean that major Jewish population centers on the West Bank will remain with Israel in a final settlement that results in a Palestinian state. Israel announced last week that it would add 3,650 housing units to Ma'aleh Adumim, the largest Jewish settlement on the West Bank. In response, Sharon said he was not disappointed in what Bush had said, noting that perhaps it was "too early" to discuss what will happen to large Jewish settlements like Ma'aleh Adumim. Sharon said Ma'aleh Adumim was one "of the major blocks of the Jewish population. Our position is that it will be part of Israel" under a final status agreement with the Palestinians. After their meeting, Bush told reporters that what is still lacking in the Middle East is "confidence." "What we need is confidence," said the president. "What we need to do is succeed in Gaza." He said after Sharon carries out his plan to withdraw Israeli troops and Jewish settlers from Gaza and a small portion of the West Bank, both sides will have a change in attitude. "If there is success in Gaza, the prime minister will have a different attitude. There is scepticism now about the process." Both men said the only plan forward is the road map, an outline backed by the United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia. "Regarding the unauthorized outposts, I wish to reiterate that Israel is a society governed by the rule of law," said Sharon. "As such, I will fulfil my commitment to you, Mr. President, to remove unauthorized outposts. As to settlements, Israel will meet all its obligations under the road map." Bush called on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to respond favorably to Sharon's offer to coordinate in the pullout from Gaza. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei called on US President George W. Bush Monday to use his summit with Israeli leader Ariel Sharon to insist on a freeze of settlement activity in the West Bank. Speaking to reporters after meeting the EU's envoy for the region, Marc Otte, Qorei said Bush should make clear that any expansion of settlements was in clear violation of the US-backed roadmap peace plan and also pressure Israel to stop building its controversial separation barrier in the West Bank. "We are appealing to President Bush to insist during his meeting with Sharon on the necessity of putting an end to Israeli violations (of the roadmap), in particular the expansion of the settlements, the attempts to annex (east) Jerusalem and to build the wall," Qorei said. "These issues are seriously worrying the Palestinians and we hope that President Bush will speak clearly to Sharon." Qorei said that "by continuing with their settlement programme and the violations of the roadmap, they (the Israelis) are digging a grave for the peace process." The roadmap's ultimate goal is for the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel but the blueprint has made next to no progress since its launch nearly two years ago. Meanwhile the occupied Jerusalem city witnessed on April 10, 2005 a long day rife with tension and clashes between thousands of the citizens massed in the Al-Aqsa mosque to defend Al-Aqsa mosque against the threats of the ultranationalists Jews as more than 30,000 Israeli policemen and soldiers were heavily deployed in the old Jerusalem and at the entrances of Al-Aqsa mosque . The Israeli police forces prevented a few dozen right-wing Jews, after their newly-formed group had vowed to rally 10,000 supporters at the holy site they claim as their own and 22 members of them were arrested including movement leader Yisrael Cohen, who was questioned on suspicion of disturbing the peace. Thousands of Muslims, backed by senior members of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, formed a mass human shield on a vigil at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque last Sunday against any possible threat to the site from Jewish extremis The Muslim faithful had begun gathering at the mosque the night before, many of them sleeping inside the compound for its protection, amid fears that Jewish protesters were trying to provoke a confrontation at the site. The crowds broke into chants of "With our blood and with our souls, we will defend Al-Aqsa" to underline their determination to stand up to any perceived threats to Al Aqsa The Israeli authorities had decided to allow Muslim residents of the east occupied Jerusalem and the Arab Israeli (Arab 48) who are over forty age to enter Al-Aqsa compound, but this off -limit entry could not allow the leader of the Islamic movement Hassan Youssef, a resident of Rammallah city of the west bank to reach the Al Aqsa site in the old town of Jerusalem., "We appeal to all Arabs and the entire Muslim world to protect Al-Aqsa," said Hassan Youssef, a leader of the Palestinian movement Hamas who left Israeli officials red-faced after slipping into Jerusalem undetected. Youssef was addressing fellow Muslims who had gathered inside the compound in such numbers that Israeli police eventually prevented any more from entering, sparking clashes in the process. Youssef appealed on the crowds to avoid any direct confrontation with police. "We have come here to support the Al-Aqsa mosque and to defend our holy places. The Muslim and Christian holy places need our protection," he said in an address by loudspeaker. "The dream of the extremists is to destroy Al-Aqsa and to build the temple, so we ask the entire Islamic world to join us in protecting Al-Aqsa." Witnesses said the Hamas leader, Hassan Yousef, was driving back to the West Bank from Jerusalem when he was stopped at an Israeli checkpoint and taken from his vehicle by police. 12 citizens were injured, none seriously, in the clashes with police. One policeman was lightly injured by the stone-throwing. Officials of the ultranationalist Jewish movement Revava announced that the member of the movement will reiterate their attempt to pray at the holy Al Aqsa compound on 9th May to come. On the other hand The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent cables of congratulations to each of Jalal Talbani on the occasion of his appointment as Iraq's new President, Sheikh Ghazi Al Yawer and Adel Abdulmahdi as vice presidents and Dr. Ibrahim Al Jaafari as Prime Minister. In his cables, King Fahd wished each of the four leaders continuous health and happiness and the people of Iraq steady progress and prosperity. Similar cables were sent to each of Talbani, Al Yawer, Abdulmahdi and Al Jaafari 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. Iraq's first elected government in half a century finally took shape yesterday when a Jalal Talbani, who becomes the first Kurdish head of state in an Arab country, took oath as president and named a top religious Shiite leader Ibrahim Jaafari as his prime minister. The confirmation of the two top posts ended weeks of political bickering between parties that frustrated Iraqis and the international community alike. Adel Abdulmahdi and Sunni President Ghazi Al-Yawar were sworn in as Talbani's two deputies completing a three-man presidency that together nominated the prime minister. Talbani, 71, vowed to bring reconciliation to a country torn by decades of ethnic tension and totalitarian rule as he took the oath of office at a historic session of Parliament. In his acceptance speech, Talbani proposed an amnesty for insurgents who have attempted to wreck Iraq's transition to democracy with daily attacks against security forces and civilians. "We must find a political and peaceful solution with Iraqis who have been led astray by terrorism and grant them an amnesty," said Talbani. He said insurgents "should be invited to participate in the democratic process and be given the chance to benefit from the acquired freedoms, even if they call for the withdrawal of foreign or occupation forces, as they call them." He also held out a hand to Iraq's Sunni minority. "We have to continue dialogue to complete a full understanding with our brothers, the Sunni Arabs, who are key component of our nation" he said. But Jaafari said "We will deal with each suspect according to the gravity of the crime, but we announce an amnesty for those who may qualify for it," he said. Jaafari vowed to swiftly put in place a new government to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. "I hope to complete the formation of my government within two weeks, even though I have a month to do it," he told reporters. |
|||||
