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April 29, 2005 |
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THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES EXPRESSES HIS CONGRATULATIONS AT THE END OF THE THIRD PHASE OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS. PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL-AZIZ PRESENTS PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL-AZIZ INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR SUNNAH AND CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC STUDIES AND DONATES SR 10 MILLION TO THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES. THE GOVERNOR OF ASSIR REGION PATRONIZES THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND PHASE OF PRINCE SULTAN CULTURAL PROJECT IN KHAMIS MUSHAYT. PRINCE KHALID IBN SULTAN PATONIZES THE MILITARY PARADE OF THE AIR DEFENCE COLLEGE IN THE WESTERN REGION. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz chaired the cabinet's weekly session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh. At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his satisfaction over the achievements and consecutive security successes of all military sectors in chasing, tracking down suspects of the deviant group, cornering and arresting a number of suspects wanted by security authorities in Holy Makkah, aborting their destructive plans and eliminating their evils, plots and desperate attempts to destabilize security. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques stressed that the Kingdom is committed to tracking down and eradicating the deviant group. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Dr. Jubarah Ibn Eid Al-Suraisiri, the Minister of Transport and Acting Minister of Culture and Information, said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques expressed his congratulations on the end of the third phase of municipal council elections in a number of the Kingdom's regions and on their successes, wishing all elected members success in achieving the aspirations of electors in serving their cities, governorates and centers. Then the Cabinet reviewed the latest developments at Arab, regional and international arenas and the Kingdom's stand towards them, he noted. The Cabinet hoped that Lebanon's new government under Premier Najib Miqati accomplish the ambitions of all the Lebanese people in these critical circumstances in Lebanon. The Minister added that King Fahd laid stress on the Kingdom's interest and continual commitment to supporting and developing relations in the world community. In this regard, the Monarch emphasized the importance of the Afro-Asian Summit which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on the fiftieth anniversary of Bandung Conference which announced the setup of the Non-aligned Movement and its role in the enhancement of solidarity between the two continents and the achievement of further political, economic and cultural accomplishments. Dr. Al-Suraisiri added that the Monarch affirmed the Kingdom's continual interest in extending developmental assistance to the developing countries as many of them have faced economic and social difficulties, and he stressed the Kingdom's pioneering role in providing humanitarian aid to alleviate the impacts of natural catastrophes on the affected countries. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques pointed to the Kingdom's announcement at the Afro-Asian Summit that it approved a sum of $ 400 million for the afflicted countries of the tsunami disaster which will be provided as developmental soft loans to finance reconstruction projects and guarantee exports. The acting Minister of Culture and Information said the Cabinet then reviewed the local items on its agenda and issued the following decisions: The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy to discuss with AGFUND a draft agreement designed to locate the headquarters of the Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Developmental Organizations and to determine the legal status, privileges, immunities and facilities for the program and its personnel in Riyadh. The Cabinet authorized the minister or his deputy to also sign the agreement and then forward the final version for further authentication. The Cabinet formed a three-member panel to adjudge disputes between insurance companies and their clients or other parties and also issue decisions on violations of control and supervision instructions of insurance companies. The term of the panel, formed of Dr. Bandar Ibn Raja Al Shammari as chairman and each of Dr. Khalid Ibn Hasan Banasr and Dr. Waleed Ibn Mohammed Alshaibani as members, will be three renewable years. The Cabinet approved the draft memorandum of cultural and scientific cooperation between the Ministry of Higher Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, aiming at exchanging scientific materials and expertise in the field of technological and technical education and organizing cultural programs between the two parties. The Cabinet also decided to amend article 18 of the System of Levying State's Arrears from Defaulters to the State Treasury to read as follows: the formation of the committees assigned to levy the state's money according to Article 18 will be named as follows: a representative of the Ministry of Finance as chairman, a legal consultant from the Ministry of Finance as member and a representative of the claimant as member. The Cabinet approved the appointment of Dr. Isa Ibn Mohammed Isa Rawas as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Hajj for Umrah Affairs; Ahmed Ibn Abdul Rahman Alabdula'li as economic expert at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Hagbani as Director General for Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Education; and the transfer of Ahmed Ibn Hamza Ibn Mahmoud Bidaiwi from the post of Director General of the office of the Minister of Commerce and Industry to the post of Assistant Undersecretary for External Trade at the same ministry and in the same rank. On the other hand the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has ordered the promotion and appointment of 129 judges at the Justice Ministry, 82 members at the Grievances Court and 120 members at the General Commission of Investigation and Prosecution. The King has also ordered the promotion of 3, 980 officers with various military ranks in addition to the appointment of 549 graduates at the ranks of lieutenant and first lieutenant, and promotion of 117 chief sergeants to the rank of lieutenant. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has ordered the appointment of Dr Abdul Aziz Ibn Saqr Al-Ghamidi as the president of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences at the excellent grade. The King has also ordered the renewal of the membership of the Board of Trustees of King Fahd National Library for three years effective 25/7/1425, as follows: Abdullah Ibn Ali Al-Naimi, the President, and the membership of Dr Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al-Faisal, the Director of King Saudi University; Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Mohsin Al-Abdel-Kadir, the Deputy Minister of Civil Service; Dr Yahya Ibn Mahmoud Ibn Juneid, the Secretary General of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Dr Mohammed Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Rabee, the Undersecretary of Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University for Studies and Scientific Research, and the Library's Secretary. Meanwhile, Dr Mahmoud Ibn Mohammed Safar has been appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees for a period of three years effective 25/7/1425 AH. On the other hand, the King has ordered the renewal of the membership of Sheikh Abdullah Ibn Suleiman Ibn Manee at the Supreme Endowments Council for three years effective 10/2/1426AH. On the other hand Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul-Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, gave away Prince Naif Ibn Abdul-Aziz International Prize to five winners for their outstanding works on Sunnah and contemporary Islamic studies. The presentation, hosted by Interior Minister Prince Naif, was held at a special ceremony at Le Meridien Hotel in Madinah. Each prize consists of a cash award of SR 500,000, a certificate of appreciation and a medal. The two joint winners of the Prize for Sunnah and Protection of Human Rights are Fatima Saleh Al-Jared (Saudi) and Dr. Hikmat Basheer Yaseen (Iraqi), while the winner for research on "The Etiquette of Dialogue With Opponents in the Light of Sunnah" will be Dr. Rukaya Taha Al-Jabir Al-Alawani (Bahraini). The winners of the prizes for Islamic Studies include Dr. Rawiya Ahmad Al-Dhahhar (Saudi) for "Objectives of Punishments Under Islamic Law" and Sheikh Adnan bin Muhammad Al-Arour (Syrian) for his work on "Methods of Preaching Islam in the Light of Contemporary Realities." Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz distributed the Naif International Prize for outstanding works on Sunnah and Islamic Studies to its winners and said the prize would serve Islam and Muslims. Addressing the ceremony, Prince Sultan said Islam would remain strong. "I pray to Almighty that He may strengthen His religion, establish truth and defeat falsehood," the Saudi Press Agency quoted him as saying. Of the five winners three are women: Dr. Rawiya Ahmad Al-Dhahhar, Fatima Saleh Al-Jared, both from Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Rukaya Taha Al-Jabir Al-Alawani of Bahrain. Fatima and Dr. Hekmat Ibn Bashir Yaseen, an Iraqi, shared the prize for Sunnah (Subject: Sunnah and Protection of Human Rights). Dr. Alawani was declared winner for the research she presented on the etiquette of dialogue with opponents in the light of Sunnah. The prize was SR500,000 with a certificate and a memorable medal. The prizes for Islamic studies went to Dr. Al-Dhahhar (Shariah objectives for punishments in Islam) and Sheikh Adnan ibn Muhammad Al-Arour, a Syrian (The method of preaching Islam in the light of contemporary realities). Prince Saud Ibn Naif, Saudi ambassador to Spain and supervisor of the prize, said Madinah was selected as the headquarters of the prize considering its historic importance. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) started his Islamic mission from this holy city, he pointed out. He said the prize was instituted to encourage Islamic research and studies and to highlight the beauty of Islamic teachings. He said the prize committee had instituted another major prize for service of Sunnah for those who author books, spend full time for its studies and use modern technology for its studies and propagation. "We have also instituted another prize, for the winner of the Hadith memorizing competition," Prince Saud said, adding that this prize was established to encourage the younger generation to eternalize Hadith by memorizing and practicing them in their daily life. The prize also organized a number of lectures and seminars with the participation of prominent scholars and experts from inside and outside Saudi Arabia. Dr. Saaed Al-Harithy, Secretary-General of the prize, said the prize was instituted to encourage Muslim intellectuals to delve deep into the treasures of the Hadith and explain the true message of Islam. He hoped that it would help remove the misunderstandings about Islam and Prophet Muhammad. The Prince Naif Prize was instituted in 2002 to encourage scientific research in the Sunnah of the Prophet and Islamic studies and promote a spirit of competition among Muslim researchers around the world. Each prize consists of a cash award of SR500,000, a certificate of appreciation and a medal. Interior Minister Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz , Madinah Governor Prince Muqrin Ibn Abdul Aziz and other top officials attended the ceremony. Misfer Ibn Abdullah Basheer of the Prize Committee told Arab News that a total of 241 scientific papers were received by the committee and they were screened by a panel of university professors. "At the preliminary stage a total of 133 of the 241 papers were rejected since they did not comply with the requirements of the committee," Basheer added. The prize committee comprises 14 members including representatives from the Muslim World League, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance, Al-Azhar Mosque, University of Islamabad, Umm Al-Qura University and Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University. Sudanese Minister of Guidance and Endowments Dr. Essam Al-Bashir commended the Saudi government's efforts for the dissemination of the message of Islam. He said Islam would continue to guide the humanity to the right path despite the smear campaigns by enemies. Fatima holds a master's degree in Islamic Dawa from Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, while Dr. Yaseen has got his doctorate in Qur'an and Sunnah. He has taken part in academic activities as well as in conferences. While thanking Prince Sultan for presenting the awards, the winners commended the great popularity achieved by the Naif Prize. "We call upon Islamic scholars and thinkers to promote this project by presenting their outstanding works for the prize," SPA quoted them as saying. "This is a pioneering prize in the field of Sunnah and Islamic studies and is another contribution of Saudi Arabia toward spreading the message of Islam," the winners said. The prize serves Islam in a good way, said Suhaila Zain Al-Abedien, executive member of the National Society for Human Rights. It helps in showing the world that there are wrong attitudes towards our religion and this is dangerous and still need to be changed. Sixty-two countries participated in the event with 124 foreign attendees next to Saudi intellectuals and professors from different educational fields. The winners were announced after a meeting of the higher committee for the prize in Riyadh, which was chaired by Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior. Giving the prizes for different countries will give credibility and weight for it, added Abedien. The prizes focus on Sunnah and contemporary Islamic studies. Its Scientific Committee determines the fields of specialization of each branch, and the themes of researches to be submitted during each Prize round which is done every year. The objectives of the prizes are to encourage scientific research in the fields of Sunnah and Contemporary Islamic Studies among researchers around the world. It also aims to reinforce the spirit of scientific competition and developing the study of current affairs of the Islamic world. People are looking to Saudi Arabia as a model, said writer Dr. Khariya Al-Saggaf. It is known for its traditions and origins; this prize will help in giving the true identity of the religion and prophet Muhammad (Pbuh). This prize will also help in finding solutions for its problems and promoting original scientific research in the Islamic world, it will highlight the values of Islam and its validity. It will contribute to the progress of human civilization. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has donated SR 10 million to the International Academy for Health Sciences and SR 2 million provided biennially in support of the Academy's activities. Prince Sultan announced the donation during an audience here today with the Academy's Chairman of Board of Directors Ibrahim Al-Zuwaid, the board's members and a number of students who came to greet the Prince and express their loyalty to the homeland through their participation in the National Solidarity Counter-terrorism Campaign. In their speech, they denounced the criminal acts committed by the deviating group in the Kingdom. Prince Sultan thanked them for their sincere national feelings, praising the Academy's efforts. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received princes and ministers who came to greet him. Prince Sultan also received the Executive Director General for Health Affairs at the National Guard Dr. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Rabia'h who presented to the Prince a memorial painting highlighting the Saudi leadership's interest in servicing all humankind. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, received Prince Dr. Faisal Ibn Mohammad Ibn Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz, Undersecretary of the Governorate of Al Baha Region, and a number of members of Al Baha Plastic Arts Prize. During the meeting, Prince Sultan received from Prince Dr. Faisal a painting in appreciation of his support for cultural activities. In Riyadh Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, has approved the executive statute of the system of the Saudi nationality after amending a number of articles in the light of the Royal Decree issued on 29, 10, 1425. The executive statute included 25 articles pertaining to the procedures and regulations stipulated in the system of the Saudi nationality, issued on 22.2.1374, and the amendments included in the system. The executive statute was issued in line with article 27 of the system, which stipulates the issuance of the executive statute of the nationality system within 120 days from the date of publishing the amendments in 'Ummal Qura' Newspaper on 25.11.1425. Dr Ahmad Al-Salim, the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry, said the amendments of the system of the Saudi nationality and the issuance of the executive statute come within the framework of the keenness of the Saudi Government on updating various systems of the State in a manner that serves the interests of the country and the citizens. Also in Riyadh Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh region, received Professor Akmaluddin Ihsan Oghli, the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). They reviewed issues of mutual interest. In Abha Prince Khalid Al-Faisal patronized the signing of the agreement for the implementation of the second phase of the project of Prince Sultan Cultural Center in Khamis Mushayt. The agreement was signed with a local company which was accorded the contract as a result of a general tender. The project will be implemented in 15 months according to the architectural designs and heritage in the area. The project being implemented under the auspices of Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General is an addition to the development in Khamis Mushayt and in Assir. Prince Sultan has donated SR 10 million to the project. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and his deputy are following up the project. The governor of Khamis Mushayt Abdul Aziz Ibn Mushayt said the project is being built on 200 thousand square meters on a hill overlooking the city. The first phase of the project has be completed on 6000 square meters and includes facilities such as a hall and sports grounds while the second phase will include a health club, restaurants and shops. On the other hand Prince Khalid Al-Faisal received the Sri-Lankan Consul General. They reviewed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests to both countries. On another scale Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs, attended the military parade of the Air Defence college in the western region Prince Khalid was received by the Commander of the Air Defence Forces Staff General Atiya Al Touri, the Commander of the College Staff Major General Saad Al Otaibi, and a number of high ranking officers. A ceremony was held on the occasion and the Commander of the College Staff Major General Saad Al Otaibi, delivered a speech in which he welcomed Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz. Prince Khalid watched manoeuvres then the paraded started. Prince Khalid then visited the housing complex project in the western region, and launched the project. He was briefed on the project by Youssef Al Hamdan who explained that the project includes 17 housing buildings. Prince Khalid also opened the ceremonial hall and the social club. Prince Khaled Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs, paid a visit to the Naval fleet in the western region . At the venue, Prince Khalid was received by a number of military and civil officials. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Addressing the forces, Prince Khaled said that the Naval Forces along with other military sectors are working to defend their holy places and the country and to provide security to citizens, praising the unlimited support provided to the armed forces by the Saudi leadership. Answering questions about how to use the Iraqi refuges camp in Al Rafa'a Prince Khalid said there are still a number of refugees in the camp and talks are being held about their return to their country. On employing Saudi youth in armed forces the Prince said the ministry of defence is taking the responsibility of employing Saudi youth in both the military and civilian fields. Asked about the visit of the Crown Prince to France and whether it was related to the signing of military contracts, Prince Khalid answered that the Crown Prince's visit was to enhance relations between both countries and with friendly countries in Europe and the US as is position is much higher than that of visiting a country to sign contracts. The Prince went on to say that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is clear about its process as this is specified according to its needs. Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, also attended the cultural event organized by the 2nd defence group in the western region. A ceremony was held and Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan listened to a brief on its training programs. A welcome speech was delivered by Major General Abou Milha then Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan handed over the prizes. |
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