Ain-Al-Yaqeen - August 12, 2005

		August 12, 2005

CROWN PRINCE SULTAN RECEIVES ULEMAS; SHEIKHS; MINISTERS; SENIOR OFFICIALS; AND A GROUP OF CITIZENS.
PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL AZIZ TO COMMANDERS OF THE SECURITY SECTORS:
WE HAVE LOST A GREAT LEADER BUT WE ARE TODAY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES KING ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ AND THE CROWN PRINCE.
PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL: RELATIONS BETWEEN THE KINGDOM AND THE US ARE STRONG.
PRINCE TURKI AL-FAISAL: THE KINGDOM IS WORKING FOR PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE WORLD AND HAS FRIENDSHIP RELATIONS WITH THE WESTERN COUNTRIES.
BLAIR: AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO STRIP CITIZENSHIP FROM NATURALIZED BRITISH CITIZENS ENGAGED IN EXTREMISM.

Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received at Al-Yamamah palace princes; Ulema; sheikhs; ministers; senior officials; and a group of citizens who came to greet him and offer their deepest condolences on the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques late King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

The Crown Prince thanked them for their noble feelings. The audience was attended by Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Fahd Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz, and a number of princes.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior received commanders of security sectors of the Interior Ministry led by General Mahmoud Ibn Mohammed Bakhesh, Director General of Intelligence and Chairman of Commanders Higher Committee who offered their deepest condolences to the Prince on the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques late King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

Addressing the commanders, Prince Naif said that we have lost a great leader who has dedicated himself to the service of the religion and the homeland.

He noted that we are today under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and the Crown Prince who will complete the message of late King Fahd and King Abdul Aziz.

Prince Naif commended King Fahd's efforts in the service of the country and the Islamic nation. "He took over the leadership at a time when the nation was going through difficult times and successfully steered the country through bitter crises."

Prince Naif said that the commanders' full loyalty and allegiance to the King and the Crown Prince have been continuing. He added, "You have given full allegiance to your leadership and your pledge of allegiance continues. You can always be proud of the fact that you work to defend the country from all evil forces and have made sacrifices for that," he told the officers. "You have worked, sacrificed and will sacrifice for your country. We are all soldiers to serve the religion, homeland and leadership.''

The meeting was attended by Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed, Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs Prince Muhammad Ibn Naif, and Gen. Mahmoud Bakhsh, director general of investigations and chairman of senior officers committee.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior received a number of officials, dignitaries and citizens who offered their deepest condolences to the Prince on the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques late King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz.

The reception was attended by Prince Ahmed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Interior.

On the other hand Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, has highlighted the significant role played by Late King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz in the service of the Arab and Muslim causes as well as the international causes.

Addressing a press conference here last night, Prince Saud said King Fahd had adopted a realistic oil policy for the service of both oil consumers and producers.

He noted that the Kingdom's local and international polices would remain in line with the values and principles laid by Later King Fahd.

Prince Saud pointed out that the Custodian of the tow Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz would continue the policies of late King Fahd.

He underlined the importance of further developing of the country, adding that 'but development should be within the framework of the country's deep-rooted traditions and norms'. 'There will be no basic changes in the Kingdom's foreign policy', he said.

On the Saudi-American relations, Prince Saud said 'they are excellent relations, and they will further improve'.

'In the Kingdom we are sure of the development of our institutions and of the existing confidence between the people and their leaders', he noted.

Meanwhile, Prince Saud denied the reports, which said the Kingdom had received a request from the Mauritanian President, who had faced an attempt of military coup, for return to the Kingdom.

Prince Saud highlighted the success attained by the Kingdom in fighting terrorism, and added 'this success is far better than some politicians envisage in the us in this regard'.

'The Kingdom is determined not only to firmly confront terrorism at the military sphere but also to tackle the roots and causes of this dangerous phenomenon' he elaborated.

Citing the determination of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to uproot terrorism, Prince Saud said the Saudi Government would tirelessly confront terrorists and their financiers and sympathizers.

As regard the process of pledging allegiance, Prince Saud said 'it is contract between the people and the leader', adding 'as long as the leader follows the path of the religion (Islam) and the principles of justice, then the people will absolutely support him'.

He noted that since the era of the Kingdom 's Founder, Late King Abdul Aziz, transfer of power has been taking place smoothly, and no counter reactions have ever taken place' he said and added 'I think matters will continue to go smoothly'.

On the other hand, Prince Saud said the Kingdom has been establishing close contacts with the British institutions as regards security affairs, and any information the Kingdom obtains will be conveyed to Britain'.

Prince Saud slammed Osama bin Laden and said so many Muslims were killed in line with his instructions, and he has been trying to divide the ranks of the Muslims, but his attempts in this respect have been culminated in failure'.

He highlighted the efforts of the Saudi government to enhance the pillars of security and stability, and said 'with the grace of Almighty Allah the Kingdom will triumph and terrorists will be defeated'.

Asked if the Saudi woman would occupy key jobs at the diplomatic field, Prince Saud said 'we have already recruited women to work at this sphere, and added 'they will acquire more experience through their work at the Foreign Ministry'.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, said the internal and foreign polices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be carrying the same values and principles formulated by Late King Abdul Aziz, the Kingdom's Founder, and followed by his sons. 'These polices will remain unchanged', Said Prince Saud in a press briefing.

Prince Saud pointed out that the death of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz constitutes a great loss to the Kingdom, and added 'King Fahd was a great leader and a wise King who had devoted his time for the service of his religion and country'.

'King Fahd was fully aware of the role that should be played by the Kingdom in the service of the Arab and Muslim causes as well as the just international causes,' he noted.

He noted that the Kingdom, during the era of King Fahd, had played an effective role at the regional and international arenas, and had positively contributed to boosting local economy, and to realizing stability of the international economy.

'The Kingdom which contains the biggest reserves of crude oil in the world, was keen on realizing balance in a manner that that serves both oil consumers and producers', he said.

Prince Saud said the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz was the honest assistant of late King Fahd. He noted that the smooth transference of power after the death of King Fahd, stands as a witness for the strength of the Kingdom's institutions.

'The Kingdom will remain keen on openness with he the world, and at the same time it will adhere to its deep-rooted traditions and values', he said adding 'the Kingdom is keen on positively contributing to preservation of the global peace and stability and honoring its bilateral and international commitments as well as on respecting the principles, laws and resolutions of the international legitimacy.

'Moreover the Kingdom will tirelessly exert efforts for solving the regional and international problems', he said.

Prince Saud said the Kingdom, which is proud of its international relations, will remain keen on preserving its close relations with the fraternal and friendly countries within the framework of the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs.

On the other hand, Prince Saud reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom on the return of national capitals from aboard and attracting foreign investors to come and invest in the country.

Prince Saud categorically denied reports which said that Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi was planning to come to the Kingdom for offering condolences on the death of King Fahd, but he was barred by the Saudi authorities, and said 'reports in this respect are untrue'.

'A Libyan delegation came to offer condolences on the death of King Fahd, if so how can we accept the arrival of a delegation from Libya and at the same time reject the arrival of the Libyan President, he said and added 'reports in this respect are baseless and untrue'.

Asked if the post of the Second Deputy Prime Minister will be filled, Prince Saud said 'this post does not exist in the basic rule system, and it is an optional matter for the King to appoint the Second Deputy Prime Minister or not'.

As regards the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to set up an International Counter-terrorism Center, Prince Saud said that a full report of the International Counter-terrorism Conference held in the Kingdom this year had been distributed to participants in the conference. Now we are seeking to submit it to the United Nations to be ratified. A major part of the report deals with the International Counter-terrorism Center proposed by the King. If it is approved by the General Assembly, it will be combined into recommendations of a report that will be submitted by the United Nations on terrorism.

Prince Saud noted that Prince Mohammed Ibn Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Saudi Ambassador to Italy, is the nominee for the post of ambassador in London.

Replying to a question on the extradition of more than 129 Saudi detainees in Guantanamo, the Prince said the discussion of extradition has been continuing between the Saudi and U.S. governments, but the topic has not been discussed during the visit of U.S. Vice President to the Kingdom.

As for the date of convening the Extraordinary Islamic Summit in Makkah, he said it will be announced after a meeting of Muslim jurisprudents, thinkers and religious scholars who will prepare for the summit.

On a mutual trade agreement between the Kingdom and the United States, he indicated that it might be signed before his expected visit to the United States.

Regarding the situation in Mauritania, Prince Saud Al-Faisal that he does not see a connection between the presence of Mauritania's President in the Kingdom and the coup d'etat, adding that it is an internal matter relating to the Mauritanian people. He noted that the Mauritanian president has not requested political asylum in the Kingdom.

With regard to the Extraordinary Arab Summit, he said that discussions have been under way to set a date for the Summit. We appreciate the Arab step to postpone the summit due to the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques late King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz. If the Summit is held, the Kingdom will attend, he said. But if the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will attend the summit, this depends on his duties here and on the Summit's date.

He indicated that an invitation to visit the United States was submitted to King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz by U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, but the date has not been set yet.

As for the killing of Sudan's 1st Vice President John Garang, he noted that killing indicates that someone killed him, but all news said that the incident was due to a fluctuating bad weather at that time. On another question, he replied that he has no knowledge about any visit by U.S. President to the Kingdom.

Replying to a question on reports that the Kingdom has passed information to the British authorities on London bombings, he said that there have been continual cooperation and contacts between the two countries. There is a committee working here to exchange information between the two sides. I am sure that there is some information that might be related to incidents in England. The British also have passed information to us that might be important in some incidents here. There is no surprise for this matter, but on the contrary. There is a promotion that international efforts have been exerted by every state to fight terrorism.

As for relations between the Kingdom and Japan, Prince Saud hoped that relations will be enhanced in accordance with the joint interests and political wishes of both countries.

On difference between the Western and Islamic world, he pointed out the difference started with the Palestinian issue which was created by efforts assisted by the Western countries. Now we expect that these countries assist in solving this cause. Had this cause not been created, there would have been no issue that makes difference between the two sides, Prince Saud said.

With regard to relations with the United States following the visit of U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his accompanying delegation to the Kingdom, Prince Saud said that at the governmental level, the relations are at their best now. As for the U.S. public opinions, we are exerting all efforts for promoting the trust that has been existed before.

As for the restoration of the trust of the U.S. public opinions in the Kingdom, he noted that terrorism started here before the United States. War on terrorism here can only bring back the trust. The U.S. people will realize that this country started to fight terrorism before any attack on the West. The facts of the Kingdom's war on terrorism will convince realistic observers that the Kingdom is against terrorism.

Regarding relations with Iraq, Prince Saud said that we want the strongest possible relations with Iraq which is a neighbouring country and a member of the Arab League. We hope that excellent relations will continue. We are willing to work in a way that helps Iraq, if it wishes. Our role in helping Iraq will continue through the Arab League, he indicated.

On the Kingdom's initiative to bridge the gap between the Kingdom's situation and the misconception about the Kingdom, he said that he can not see a policy better than the current one of receiving representatives of the mass media to be acquainted on what is happening in the Kingdom. Those representatives can request and meet any official in the Kingdom, Prince Saud said.

In London Prince Turki Al-Faisal, stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been following an Islamic moderate way, denying that the Kingdom has followed a strict method that helps in the growing of extremists and terrorists.

In an interview with BBC One, replying to a question that 15 out of 19 who carried out attacks on September 11, in the United States, were Saudis, he said that at that time, Al-Qaeda had more than 2000 fighters in Afghanistan who came from various countries including Britain and other European countries.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, noted that the Kingdom has been working for peace and stability in the world and has also had friendship relations with the Western countries. He indicated that a large number of Saudi students are studying in Western universities, for example there are more than 3000 Saudi students in British universities.

As for rumors that terrorists who executed bombings in London last month received financial assistance and messages via mobiles from the Kingdom, he said that investigations are under way on this matter by Saudi and British security forces, pointing to close cooperation between security bodies in the two countries in exchanging information, fighting terrorism and other fields.

Prince Turki added that Al-Qaeda is working at the world level including Britain, other European countries and anywhere it has found a chance and possibilities for work.

Since he was a Crown Prince, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz proposed to set up an International Counter-terrorism Center, he said and added that such a center can coordinate efforts, exchange information and prevent terrorist attacks.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab and Muslim World have lost a great and unique leader by the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, noting that the late King has greatly affected not only the domestic arena in the Kingdom, but all Arab, Islamic and international arenas.

In a press conference held at the Saudi embassy, he said that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz is the best successor to this great predecessor, noting that King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, have been close to King Fahd who depends on them on everything.

He also said that King Fahd has clearly and greatly affected the Kingdom's internal and external policies, adding that King Abdullah has closely worked with King Fahd in these policies which will not be changed but will be completed and continued.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal reviewed King Fahd's great achievements in the educational, constructional and industrial fields in the Kingdom, the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, the development of the basic and infra structures such as Jubail and Yanbu cities, the issuance of three systems of government, Shoura Council and regions council, and the reform process launched for years.

At the external arena, there have been King Fahd's peace plan approved as a first Arab plan for peace in 1982, his efforts to end the Lebanese war in Taif conference in 1989 and his position towards the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, he said.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal indicated that the Saudi embassy in London is going to open a condolences book starting from Wednesday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. , noting that a funeral prayer for the absent for King Fahd will be performed after Friday's prayer at the embassy's mosque.

On the other hand In a swift judicial action, British courts today remanded in custody an Indian origin Briton who is alleged to have masterminded the London bombings that killed 56 as also the four suspects of the failed attacks on the capital's transport system.

Meantime Haroon Aswat, 30, deported from Zambia and wanted by US over conspiracy to set up a terror training in custody was remanded till August 11.

He is reported to have masterminded the July 7 attacks, but British police is yet to confirm it.

The four principal persons charged with conspiracy to murder in the failed July 21 bomb attacks were also remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey court on November 14.

Bomb suspects Muktar Said Ibrahim, 27, Yasin Hassan Omar, 24, and Ramzi Mohammed, 23, were remanded by the Bow Street magistrates at the high security Belmarsh prison.

The fourth man Manfo Kwaku Asiedu, 32, is charged with conspiracy to murder over an unexploded device found in a park in west London two days after the failed attacks on three Tubes and a bus.

Aswat, was arrested on his arrival here last night after being deported from Zambia. Washington has requested for Aswat's extradition to US over his suspected involvement in a plot to set up an al-Qaeda terror training camp in Oregon.

Aswat arrived at a Royal Air Force base in Northolt, west of London, in an unmarked Swiss-registered jet last night and was taken to Paddington Green police station.

Among those charged, Ibrahim, of Stoke Newington, north London, is suspected of the failed Hackney bus bombing.

Omar, of New Southgate, London, and Mohammed are accused over the attempted Tube bombings at Warren Street and Oval respectively.

In addition to the conspiracy to murder and attempted murder charges, those three are accused of conspiracy to cause explosions and possession of an explosive substance.

Asiedu, of Finsbury Park, north London, is charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause explosions, in relation to the rucksack found at Little Wormwood Scrubs Park.

Three others, Shadi Abdel Gadir, 22, and Omar Nagmeloin Almagboul, 20, both of Dyke Road, Brighton, and Mohamed Kabashi, 23, of Mary Magdalene Road, Brighton, accused of failing to disclose information about the failed bombings appeared at Horseferry Road magistrates' Court and were remanded to custody till November 14.

On the other hand British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been detailing tough new measures to deport foreigners who advocate violence. The plans come in the wake of last month's London bombings and are designed to make it easier to clamp down on so-called "preachers of hate." It's the latest example of how Europe has awoken to the need for action to control the breeding grounds for extremism on its own soil.

Britain already has the power to deport individuals deemed a security threat. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that this power will now be extended in the wake of last month's attacks on London's transport system. Let no one be in any doubt, he said, "The rules of the game are changing."

"Deportation is a decision taken by the home secretary under statute," Blair said. "The new grounds will include fostering hatred, advocating violence to further a person's beliefs, or justifying or validating such violence."

Blair said authorities will draw up a list of extremist websites, bookshops, and organizations, and that involvement with them could serve as a trigger to deport foreign nationals. He also said any asylum seeker involved in terrorist activities would be denied access to British territory.

He said his government will outlaw two Islamic groups, including Hizb ut-Tahrir, an organization active in Central Asia that says it is dedicated to the peaceful creation of an Islamic caliphate. Hizb ut-Tahrir, banned in the Central Asian states, has an office in Britain.

And Blair said he will seek new powers to exclude foreign imams who advocate extremism. "We will consult on a new power to order closure of a place of worship which is used as a center for fomenting extremism and will consult with Muslim leaders in respect of those clerics who are not British citizens, to draw up a list of those not suitable to preach who will be excluded from our country in future," he said.

The new powers will not just target foreigners. Blair said authorities should be able to strip citizenship from naturalized British citizens engaged in extremism. And he said the government will introduce new legislation that will include an offense of glorifying terrorism -- wherever it takes place.

In the past month, Blair has repeatedly spoken of the need to confront "an evil ideology," after the four 7 July suspected suicide bombers were identified as British Muslims.

On the other hand a Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman said the Kingdom had no solid information of any threat of terrorist attacks inside the country.

"We have no confirmed information about any imminent terrorist threat in the Kingdom. We are taking all necessary security measures to confront any possibility," said Gen. Mansour Al-Turki.