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November 4, 2005 |
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KING ABDULLAH EMPHASIZES THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY OF KING ABDUL AZIZ CENTER FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE. THE SAUDI MONARCH APPROVES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF KING FAHD CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN DONATES ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO THE ISLAMIC CHARITABLE SOCIETY OF AL-MAKASID IN LEBANON. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received at Al-Safa palace the annual report on King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue and its achievements since its establishment. The Monarch received the report during his audience with Chairman of Presiding Committee of King Abdul Aziz Center for National Dialogue Sheikh Salih Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Hussein and Committee's members: Dr. Abdullah Ibn Omar Nassif; Dr. Rashid Al-Rajih Al-Sharif; Minister of Education Dr. Abdullah Ibn Salih Al-Obaid and Center's Secretary General Faisal Ibn Abdul Rahman Ibn Muammar. The Monarch listened to a summary of the Center's achievements during the previous period through the holding of four national and intellectual dialogues with more than 1600 participants along with the tours of all regions in the Kingdom. The King was also briefed on the Center's missions in accordance with its strategic plan in the next five years. Addressing the audience, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz reaffirmed the adherence to the Islamic religion and the enhancement of national unity, noting that any fruitful dialogue should be based on these two major pillars and should strengthen commitment to them. The Monarch commended the Center's important accomplishments and its strategic plans and expressed his appreciation of the Committee's efforts. The performance of the Center's message is a service for any citizen living on this blessed land and an achievement of his ambitions, the King said and added that the Center plays an enlightening role which contributes to fighting fanaticism and to stressing the moderation called for by the Islamic religion. King Abdullah emphasized the importance of sensing the issues and ideas hoped for by citizens who wish to submit them to specialists in the intellectual meetings to be organized by the Center in various regions of the Kingdom, pointing to the importance of these meetings that gather citizens and build bridges of continual contacts and meaningful dialogue. He affirmed the etiquette of dialogue based on wisdom and good advice and noted that good and sincere citizens seek for serving the religion and the homeland. The Monarch called on all for adhering to the wise moderate way of Islam which is the way of the Holy Quran and Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). On his part, Sheikh Al-Hussein expressed his appreciation of and thanks to the King and the Crown Prince for supporting and providing facilities for the Center. On the other hand a new charitable organization named after King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has been established. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has given his approval to the charity. Prince Muhammad Ibn Fahd, governor of the Eastern Province, thanked the king for agreeing to the establishment of the King Fahd Charitable Foundation. "The organization will help continue the charitable activities carried out by the late king," who died on Aug. 1, the prince said. King Fahd set a good example for the Saudi people in charitable activities, he pointed out. "The foundation will take care of the various charitable projects begun by the late king," he added. The rules and regulations of the charity as well as its board of trustees will be announced shortly. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein held a meeting at Al-Safa palace. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments at the Arab, Islamic and international arenas particularly the Palestinian cause and the situation in Iraq. Aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries and ways of their enhancement in all fields were also reviewed. On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King; Prince Abdulilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Secretary General of National Security Council and Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Advisor to the King. On the Jordanian side, it was attended by Prince Faisal Ibn Al-Hussein; Prince Hashim Ibn Al-Hussein; Prime Minister Dr. Adnan Badran; Chief of Royal Court Faisal Al-Fayiz and a number of officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz had separately received at Al-Safa palace Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, his accompanying delegation and Lebanon's Prime Minister Fuad Al-Seniora. King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz welcomed the two guests, praying to Almighty Allah to accept the good deeds of all Muslims. The two guests expressed their appreciation of and thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi government and people for a warm welcome and generous hospitality. King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz held a breaking-fast banquet in honor of the Jordanian King and the Lebanese Prime Minister. The two audiences were attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King; Prince Abdulilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence and a number of princes and officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received at Al-Safa palace Comoros' President Othman Ghazali and the accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments at the regional and international arenas and aspects of cooperation between the two countries. The audience was attended by Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King; Prince Abdulilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence and a number of princes and officials. They all had a breaking-fast meal at the King's banquet. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received the Advisor to Kuwait's Emir Abdul Rahman Salim Al-Atiqi accompanied by Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud Al-Babtin and a number of Kuwaiti officials and dignitaries who came to perform Umrah rituals. Al-Atiqi conveyed to the Crown Prince the greetings of Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. In turn, the Crown Prince sent his greetings to the Emir. The audience was attended by Prince Mamdouh Ibn Abdul Aziz and a number of princes. They all had a breaking-fast meal at the Crown Prince's banquet. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Bahrain's King Hamad Ibn Isa Al Khalifa held a meeting at Al-Safa palace. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments at the Gulf, Arab, Islamic and international arenas particularly the Palestinian cause and the situation in Iraq. Aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries and ways of their enhancement in all fields were also reviewed. On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the National Guard; Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King and Prince Abdulilah Ibn Abdul Aziz. On the Bahraini side, it was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Mubarak Al Khalifa; Minister of Royal Court Sheikh Khalid Ibn Ahmed Al Khalifa and a number of officials. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz had received at Al-Safa palace Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. King Abdullah welcomed the Bahraini King, wishing him a good stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On his part, King Hamad expressed his appreciation of and thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi government and people for a warm welcome and generous hospitality. King Abdullah held a breaking-fast banquet in honor of the Bahraini King and the accompanying delegation. The reception and the banquet were attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the National Guard; Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King; Prince Abdulilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; and a number of princes and officials. The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received a telephone call from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as a number of regional and international issues, notably the Middle East problems. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received a message from Niger's President Mamadou Tandja. The message was delivered to the Monarch during his audience at Al-Safa palacwith Niger's Special Presidential Envoy Sidi Mohammed Hameedi. The envoy conveyed to King Abdullah the greetings of Niger's President. In turn, the Monarch sent his greetings to the President. The audience was attended by Prince Badr Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the National Guard; Prince Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King; Prince Abdulilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; and a number of princes and officials. They all had a breaking-fast meal at the King's banquet. On the other hand a royal order was issued extending the service of Dr. Khalid Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Bakr, the Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, at an excellent grade, for a 4 year-term of office effective from 1/10/1426H. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has donated $1 million to the Islamic Charitable Society of Al-Makasid in Lebanon. The donation was extended by Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Dr Abdul Aziz Khoja to Emin Al-Da'aug, the Society's President. Speaking on the occasion, Al-Da'aug highlighted this kind gesture, and hoped that the donation would positively contribute to enabling the Society perform its charitable mission. In Jeddah Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior pointed out that the Ministry is currently implementing a comprehensive directive program aiming at advising individuals detained for issues and security events to which the Kingdom has recently been subjected. He noted that an elite of Muslim scholars, callers, thinkers and specialists in religion, and psychological and social education are taking part in the program. They have interviewed detainees and called on them to recant from the deviating thought. They clarified to them the sound Islamic religion and thought, he said and added that the scholars provided the detainees with books and held courses for them. Prince Naif stressed that those who recant from the deviating thought and benefit from the program are being released in turn in accordance with regular procedures. Their families are being informed on the truth of their situation and the importance of correctly taking care of them. He noted that the release operations do not include planners of explosions and terrorist acts who are under investigation and under religious judiciary. Prince Naif called on all to fight the deviating thought and exert efforts to protect our society from the negative impact on its security and stability which comes from any source, and to cooperate with the concerned authorities to protect our sons from the thoughts and trends alien to our religion and society. Meantime security forces arrested two militants suspected of belonging to the Al-Qaeda network following raids in Madinah and Zulfi. Informed sources said that both suspects did not figure on a list of 35 most wanted terrorists issued in June this year. They said the detainee in Zulfi was one of the most important supporters of the regional branch of Al-Qaeda. The source did not reveal the detainee's name or age. Security forces picked up the man in a pre-dawn raid on Monday at a house in Zulfi, 300 kilometers north of the capital Riyadh. He did not resist arrest and pamphlets supporting Al-Qaeda were found in his possession, said the security source. In Madinah, security forces sealed off Al-Masanie district after the arrest of the suspect there, the sources said. "Police have seized a golden color GMC van and examined items found inside the vehicle," the sources said. Police later raided a house in Quba district. Periodic crackdowns by Saudi security forces on suspected militants were stepped up into a concerted anti-terror campaign in May 2003. The arrests came after two gunmen killed a policeman on the outskirts of Makkah on Saturday. The shooting took place at a time when more than 1.5 million faithful gathered in the holy city to take part in prayers at the Grand Mosque on the most important night in the holy month of Ramadan. The two assailants opened fire on a police patrol, which had flagged down their car for a routine check, a security source said. He identified the slain police officer as Mohammed Al-Zahrani, who was shot in the head. The victim was rushed to hospital where he died of his wounds. The other officer was unscathed but the attackers fled, the source added. Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki confirmed the incident, which took place in Um Al-Joud on the old Makkah-Jeddah road, about seven kilometers from the Grand Mosque. On the other hand the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has condemned the blast incidents which took place in New Delhi. 'While slamming this criminal act, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to confirm that confrontation of such terror acts makes international cooperation for confronting and uprooting terrorism an essential matter', said an official source in a statement to SPA. The Kingdom offered condolences to the Indian government and people and to families of the victims of this heinous crime. Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has expressed his appreciation of and gratitude for the rapid response of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud to assisting the people affected by the devastating earthquake that recently hit Pakistan. In a statement to Al-Watan Newspaper, he said that the Kingdom has always supported Pakistan in time of need, noting that his country will not forget its assistance including Saudi relief airlift between Riyadh and Islamabad, Saudi Field Hospital in Mansehra, Pakistan, and donation of SR 500 million for reconstruction in the affected areas along with the generous contributions of Saudi families for relief works in Pakistan. President Musharraf described King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz as a far-sighted leader proceeding with political reform, social and economic programs to lead the Kingdom to the highest new standards of progress and prosperity. He added that King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has been among the world leaders, a hero of world peace and supporter of Islamic unity, stressing that the King has been respected all over the world. The Pakistani President described bilateral relations as historical, excellent and deep rooted in all fields including political, military, cultural and economic spheres, indicating that the viewpoints of the two countries have been in full harmony regarding all challenges facing Muslim nations. |
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