Ain-Al-Yaqeen - August 4, 2005

		August 4, 2005

LEADERS OF THE WORLD OFFER THEIR CONDOLENCES TO KING ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ AND HIS ENTRUSTED CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ.
THE LEADERS PRAISE THE GREAT LATE KING'S STAUNCH DEFENCE OF STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, RIGHTS AND DUTIES, SECURITY, AND DEVELOPMENT.
MOURNING IN THE ARAB AND ISLAMIC COUNTRIES AND THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE EXTRAORDINARY ARAB SUMMIT MEETING IN SHARM EL-SHEIKH.

The world mourned the death of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz. Jordan announced 40 days of mourning for the late king while Spain announced a day's mourning. Egypt postponed an Arab summit at Sharm El-Sheikh.

Western powers and Arab leaders described the late King Fahd as a statesman who had skilfully balanced his role as protector of Islam's holy shrines with the Kingdom's position as a key US ally. They voiced full support for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

President George W. Bush spoke to King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to offer the US condolences on King Fahd's death and to congratulate him on assuming the throne. "We have a close partnership with Saudi Arabia and good relations, and the president considers King Abdullah a friend," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

US President George W. Bush has expressed deep sorrow over the death of King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz and described him as a 'wise' leader who had earned the respect of the entire world.

In a statement issued by the White House, President Bush offered condolences in his name and in the name of the American Government and people to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Royal Family and the Saudi Government and People.

He said the deceased was a friend of the US at the level of bilateral relations, and a close friend of his contemporary US Presidents.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II said the king had led his country with "wisdom and skill". "During his reign Britain and Saudi Arabia enjoyed a very close relationship," said a message released by Buckingham Palace.

The Queen extends her best wishes to King Abdullah (Bin Abdulaziz) and looks forward to strengthening the bonds that link our two countries."

French President Jacques Chirac said "During his reign King Fahd was, above all, concerned with the safety of his people. In troubled times, he guaranteed the integrity of his country and defended regional stability. He developed the kingdom wisely. "King Fahd was also committed to the strong and trusting relations between France and Saudi Arabia. This old friendship, which began with an exceptional link established by General De Gaulle, took on a new dimension under his reign, helped by a shared vision of what was at stake regionally and internationally."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said " King Fahd was a man of great vision and leadership who inspired his countrymen for a quarter of a century as king. He led Saudi Arabia through a period of unparalleled progress and development. He was also a good friend of the United Kingdom. Under his guidance our two countries have developed extremely close political, commercial and defense links. They will always be seen as his legacy."

"King Fahd... led Saudi Arabia through a period of unparalleled progress and development. He was also a good friend of the United Kingdom," said British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said "King Fahd's wisdom, far-sightedness, huge personal engagement for dialogue between the Middle East and the Western world, and his balanced and mediatory policies in the Middle East earned him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia respect and recognition worldwide."

President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud on the death of King Fahd bin Abdelaziz Al Saud.

In his telegram Putin said, "This is a big loss for the Saudi Arabian people. An authoritative and genuine national leader passed. Due to his personal efforts Saudi Arabia achieved considerable progress and consolidated its international positions."

"Russia will always remember His Holiness' contribution to the development of Russian-Saudi relations, which have reached a new level in recent years," Putin said in the telegram.

"I convey my sincere sympathies to you and all royal family, and the people of Saudi Arabia," the Russian president said.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan paid tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, whose "enduring contributions in the field of international and regional diplomacy" were key as he worked tirelessly to achieve peaceful solutions based on justice, according to Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

"While recognizing the demands of the modern world, King Fahd was also firmly guided, in the tradition of his predecessors, by the principles and traditions of Islam," said Dujarric. "King Fahd will be remembered not only with deep affections and loyalty among the people of the Kingdom, but with profound respect in the Islamic, Arab and world communities."

The King was a 'true friend of the UN' since its inception, as he attended the inauguration of the organization as a member of the Saudi delegation in 1945, according to Dujarric. Annan also hailed the King's "remarkable progress in areas ranging from industrial development to education."

Annan extended his deepest condolences to the family of the late King, as well as to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The UN flag is hoisted at half mast in his honor.

Arab and Muslim countries flew their flags at half-mast and most announced three days of morning for the man who ruled Saudi Arabia for 23 years.

As word of King Fahd's death spread, many Arab television stations interrupted programming to broadcast recitations from the Holy Qur'an.

"We received with great sadness the news of the death of King Fahd, which is a loss for Saudi Arabia and the Muslim and Arab world," Kuwaiti Energy Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah said, adding that Kuwait would always be grateful for Riyadh's role in freeing his country from Iraqi occupation.

Arab leaders applauded King Fahd's diplomacy in the Arab-Israeli conflict and the economic aid. "We do not forget his relentless efforts to put Palestine on the international agenda," said Nabil Shaath, Palestinian deputy premier. "There is a deep sadness in Palestine at his death."

Saad Hariri, son of Lebanon's slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, recalled King Fahd's role in ending that country's 1975-1990 civil war and aiding its recovery. Saad Al-Hariri, said "We in Lebanon, which the (late) king loved and offered his efforts, heart and time to in a way the Lebanese people will never forget, feel the magnitude of the loss, remembering how the kingdom stood by us at each of our political and economic crossroads." Said Hariri

Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said in a statement that "the death of King Fahd is a great loss. Saudi Arabia has lost with the departure of the late King Fahd a distinguished king who led his country to prosperity and development." "The Lebanese loss in the death of King Fahd is immense.

"We have lost a great brother who stood by us and defended our rights and helped in ending wars on our territories as well as helped in reviving our economy," the statement said.

President Hosni Mubarak expressed his sincere condolences in his name and on behalf of the Egyptian people and the government to the people of Saudi Arabia and the royal family. "The deceased will go down in history for his many and substantial achievements in the service of the holy sites, his people and country," Mubarak said in a statement.

King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz would likewise be remembered for his "honorable and sincere defense of the (Islamic) nation," the statement added.

In Amman, the Jordanian government expressed its deepest condolences for the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz and praised him for his role in defending the rights of the Arab World as well as defending the Islamic Religion. In a statement, the government expressed its trust that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will lead his country to prosperity security and stability.

Pakistan, expressed "deep grief and sorrow" and announced a seven-day official morning period. "On behalf of people and government of Pakistan and my personal behalf, may I express deepest condolence to my brother Abdullah, the government and people of Saudi Arabia," President General Pervez Musharraf said in a televised address.

Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer described King Fahd as a "true friend" of his country, while Afghan President Hamid Karzai described the late king as a brother and good friend of Afghan people. Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai expressed his deepest condolences for the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

Syria declared three days of morning and the official news agency SANA said that flags were lowered to half-mast at all governmental institutions.

Bangladesh called King Fahd's death an irreparable loss for Muslims around the world. Bangladesh President Iazuddin Ahmad and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said the late king symbolized Muslim unity and was a fountain of inspiration for many. Bangladesh also expressed its deepest condolences for the death of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

Taiwan expressed its condolences. "We have asked our representative in Riyadh, Yang Sheng-chung, to convey the government's condolences to the Saudi authorities," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Michel Lu.

A three-day morning period was also declared by the Palestinian Authority, which recalled Fahd as a stout defender of the Arab and Palestinian people.

"His death is a loss to the millions of Arabs and Muslims around the world. He was a leader who spent his life in defense of Arab causes and particularly on the Palestinian issue," a statement from Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei's office said.

Yemen expressed sadness at the death of King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz. "It is a great loss for Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the Arab and Muslim national. King Fahd's death will have repercussions on Arab and Muslim action," Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Baqr Al-Kurbi said in Cairo.

The Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Moussa expressed his deepest condolences for the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz and praised him for his role in defending the rights of the Arab World as well as defending the Islamic Religion. In a press statement, he also wished the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz all success, noting that King Abdullah has been known for his peace initiatives and defense of Arab and Islamic issues.

The Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said: "In view of King Fahd's death, it was decided to postpone the Arab summit, and a new date will be fixed later," Moussa said at Sharm El-Sheikh where the summit was supposed to convene tomorrow.

"The summit will be held with the same agenda to discuss the issues at stake in Iraq and the Palestinian territory," Moussa added.

The Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi said: "We are sad at the news of the death of a man who spent his whole life serving the Arab and Islamic causes and working hard in unifying the Muslim world and constructing Saudi Arabia."

Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Ibn Khalifa Al-Thani said the Late King Fahd was one of the distinguished leaders who had dedicated their efforts in the service of their countries and nations.

Sultan Qaboos of Oman said he had received with sorrow and sadness the death of King Fahd.

On its part, the Bahraini Royal Court said King Fahd was a unique and wise leader who had dedicated his efforts and time in the service of all people. 'King Fahd will remain a good example in leadership, reconciliation and solidarity', added the statement.

Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said " King Fahd ... devoted himself to the service of his religion, homeland, people and his Arab and Muslim nation."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said "We feel sorrow and pain over the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul A ziz. We have known him for a long time ... he showed support and commitment to the Palestinian cause since the 60s." On his part, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad said "the late King Fahd spent his life defending the interests of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the causes of the Arab nation. He was keen on fortifying relations between our two countries."

A statement issued by the Royal Court in Amman expressed sorrow and sadness of King Abdullah II and the Jordanian family on the death of King Fahd.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco expressed his sadness over the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

In Sanaa, a Yemeni Presidential decree announced that the Arab and Muslim World has lost one of its greatest leaders who has devoted himself to the service of Arab and Muslim issues and worked for the unity of the Arab and Muslim World.

It added that the late King Fahd has provided great services for all Muslims.

On his part, President Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki of South Africa expressed his deepest condolences for the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz. He added that late King Fahd has been a dear friend of the government and people of South Africa.

The United States expressed "great sadness" over the death of King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

State Department spokesman Tom Casey told reporters in Washington that King Fahd was an invaluable ally to the United States, which looks forward to continuing its relationship under the new King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz.

"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of King Fahd, who was the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. During the course of his 22-year reign, the king was a friend of the United States and played an essential role in regional and world events," Casey said. King Fahd "was a partner in efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region, and we will continue to honor his memory. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Saudi Arabia at this time."

Casey told reporters that the relationship that the United States enjoys with Saudi Arabia "continues to be excellent."

"We continue to have discussions with [Saudi Arabia] on a wide range of issues," Casey said. "We look forward to doing so under the leadership of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz , who has succeeded to the throne."

Casey said that the United States has "a close, working relationship with the government of Saudi Arabia on counter-terrorism issues," and expects to continue this relationship without interruption.

Several leaders the world over paid rich tributes to King Fahd for his vital global leadership and contribution to the emancipation of the Muslim Ummah .

Talking to newsmen at Chaklala Airbase in Islamabad, prior to his departure to Riyadh to take part in King Fahd's funeral, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said, "King Fahd was a great leader of the Muslim world and also a great friend of Pakistan he played an active role in the emancipation and betterment of the Muslim Ummah."

Musharraf said that during the tenure of King Fahd, relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached a new peak.

"King Fahd left a legacy of contribution to the well-being of the Ummah and to strengthening Saudi-Pakistan relationship, which is so important to us," he added.

The president said he looked forward to excellent relations between the two brotherly countries under King Abdullah.

"His Majesty, King Abdullah, indeed, is like a brother to me. We already have close personal relations he is a man who has the welfare of the Ummah and the Muslim world very close to his heart," he stated.

PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Sen. Maulana Sami ul-Haq are accompanying the president.

In New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed sadness over King Fahd's passing away. Manmohan credited King Fahd's efforts for the enhanced level of India-Saudi Arabia relations.

In his letter, addressed to King Abdullah, the Indian premier said: "I learnt with deep sadness of the passing away of His Majesty King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. King Fahd's towering personality won the admiration of all who knew him around the world. The achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under his leadership stand testimony to his vision."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan yesterday signed the condolence book opened at the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka.

"I am shocked at the sad demise of King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud who was the most respected leader of his people and who symbolized the unity and solidarity of the entire Muslim Ummah," he wrote.

Morshed Khan described the late king "as a close and revered well-wisher of Bangladesh", and said the people of Bangladesh joined him in praying to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

Sergei Mironov, chairman of the Federation Council, upper house of Russia's parliament, said King Fahd played a significant role in the development of relations between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Mironov expressed condolences Saudi Arabia's newly proclaimed King Abdullah on the death of his brother Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

The Federation Council chairman stressed, "King Fahd made big contribution to the strengthening of relations with Russia."

"The outstanding political leader of the Arab world passed away after 23 years at the rule of the country. King Fahd did much to make his country prosperous," Mironov stressed.

King Fahd "defended his country's national interests and represent Saudi Arabia worthily at the international arena. He favoured a lasting peace in the Middle East," the Russian legislator said.

The General Secretariat of the Muslim World League (MWL) expressed its deepest condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz , Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, for the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

In a statement, MWL said that King Fahd has helped in the league's achievements by following the route of his good predecessors.

MWL added that King Fahd has a unique way of dealing with all Muslim issues.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof. Akmaluddin Ihsan Oglu expressed his deepest condolences to the Muslim World for the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

He said that King Fahd has been one of the greatest leaders in the World, has served the Arab and Muslim issues, and has worked for the unity of Muslims.

He added that King Fahd has led his country with wisdom. Prof. Oglu noted that the death of King Fahd is not only a loss to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but to all Muslim World.

The United Nations' General Assembly will hold a special session on the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz . The date of the session has not yet been fixed.

A UN spokesman said the General Assembly will observe a moment of silence on the occasion of this 'sad' event. Delegates of member states will deliver speeches on merits of the late King Fahd.

The America-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) released a statement offering its condolences to the leadership, government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the passing of King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud.

The ADC praised King Fahd's commitment to "modernizing Saudi Arabia's infrastructure, educational, housing, and communications systems, and to its economical and social advancement," according to the statement, which made particular note of the birth of the Saudi Education Ministry, of which King Fahd was the initial Minister.

"Under his guidance, the Education ministry designed and implemented a nationwide education school system," the statement said.

The ADC also said King Fahd worked to promote a peace plan for the Israelis and Palestinians. It was King Fahd's proposal for peace, first drafted and offered in 1981, that was later revived at a 2002 Arab League meeting. Also, according to the ADC, King Fahd's "efforts to help end the Lebanese civil war concluded with an agreement signed in the Saudi city of Taif."

Scholars, diplomats, politicians and Muslim advocates around Washington reacted to King Fahd's death with sadness at the passing of a leader who they said did so much to modernize and strengthen The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while forging a strong relationship with the United States.

Jean AbiNader, a board member of the Arab American Institute led by James Zogby, said in a statement that King Fahd had a "remarkable career." Among his accomplishments, AbiNader pointed to Fahd's membership in the Saudi delegation to the United Nations in 1945, his tenure as the Kingdom's first education minister that significantly improved the literacy levels in the country, as well as Fahd's key role in the Kingdom's first five-year development plan.

"It is because of these efforts and so many others that King Fahd became the central player in Saudi-U.S. relations," said AbiNader.

On his part, Edward Walker, President of the Middle East Institute and former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and former deputy Chief of Mission to Saudi Arabia, told SPA that King Fahd deserves recognition as one of the greatest allies the United States has had.

"King Fahd was a man who was extremely close to the United States for many years," Walker said. "He really was responsible for forging the close relationship that [the two countries] enjoy," he said.

Amr Hamzawy, a social scientist and scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace, told SPA: "King Fahd will be remembered as the king of modernization for Saudi Arabia. His reign coincided with a period of unprecedented economic and social modernization that brought Saudi Arabia to the forefront of regional and, indeed, international politics."

"King Fahd will also be remembered for his leadership in keeping the kingdom out of traditional regional conflicts and rivalries, thereby positioning his country as the power center of the Middle East," he said.

Dr. John Duke Anthony, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, told SPA that the career and legacy of King Fahd were "extraordinary."

"King Fahd was much more multifaceted than many have recognized," he said. "An objective assessment would indicate that few if any other Middle Eastern heads of state had as rich and diverse a preparation for becoming king."

Anthony said King Fahd's was widely regarded as the father of Saudi Arabia's education system, and that his tenure as the country's first Minister of Education gave him a unique ownership over the values, ideals, and scholarship that are associated with the progress and achievement of the kingdom.

"On a personal note, I feel saddened by his passing," Chas Freeman, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told SPA. "I worked with him closely during the Gulf War, and I got to admire him not only as a leader, but as a man."

Freeman said King Fahd deserved enormous credit for his leadership in channeling Saudi Arabia's oil wealth toward a national education system, improved national health care, and the stabilization of the country.

"The shape of the modern kingdom is a product of his personal decisions. Very few people get to shape an entire country," he said. The current president of the U.N. Security Council, Japanese Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, expressed on Tuesday Council members' regret and condolences over the death of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia.

They highlighted his diplomatic and political achievements at the regional and international arenas.

A statement read by Oshima said the members offered condolences to King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz , the Saudi government and people.

They highlighted accomplishments achieved by King Fahd and said he had devoted his entire time in the service of his country and people and noted that he had contributed positively to enhancing pillars of peace and understanding as well as security and stability in the Arab region and the rest of the world.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana has expressed sorrow and grief over the death of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques late King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

In a cable sent to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Al-Saud, he expressed his deepest condolences to the people of the Kingdom for King Fahd's death.

Solana said King Fahd was a man of vision, and he has played a great role in strengthening the Saudi-European ties.