November 4, 2005

PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ INAUGURATES THE ARMED FORCES' HOSPITAL IN AL MADINAH AL MUNAWARRAH. THE CROWN PRINCE RECEIVES THE GREETINGS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II, HER PRIME MINISTER AND THE BRITISH SECRETARY OF DEFENCE. PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL AZIZ: SAUDI ARABIA INTENDS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ITS REGIONS TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO ITS GROWING POPULATION. THE KINGDOM IS KEEN TO ACTIVATE THE JOINT SECURITY AGREEMENT WITH IRAN. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, visited in Al Madinah Al Munawarrah the Prophet's Mosque. He was welcomed by a number of senior officials. Prince Sultan arrived in Madinah last Monday. He was welcomed at Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz Airport by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah region, and a number of senior officials. Prince Sultan was accompanied by a number of princes. During his stay in Madinah Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, will inaugurate Armed Forces Hospital in Madinah next Saturday. In a press statement to the Saudi Press Agency, the Director General of Public Department of the Armed Forces Medical Services Major General Dr. Kattab Ibn Eid Al-Otaibi expressed his gratitude for the Crown Prince's patronization of the hospital which embodies his interest in the situations of citizens in all regions particularly their health conditions. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, graced a breaking fast party held in his honor by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah region. Upon arrival at the venue, the Crown Prince was received by senior officials dignitaries and citizens who greeted and congratulated him on the blessed month of Ramadan. The party was attended by princes, Muslim scholars, sheikhs and senior officials. Meanwhile Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General and Head of the Saudi side at Saudi-Yemeni Coordination Council has directed to modernize and provide transport cars, ambulances, furniture and electrical equipment for Al-Salam Hospital, Saada Governorate and Saudi Hospital, Hajjah Governorate at a cost of SR 12 million. A press statement issued by the Saudi Embassy in Sanaa said that the provision of sets and medical equipment has started, noting that the Crown Prince has paid attention to and care of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, received the delegation of Islamic World University Chita Gong in Bangladesh headed by Dr. Abdullah Ibn Omar Naseef, President of University's Trustees Board. The Crown Prince praised the good efforts being exerted by the University, wishing it all success. Dr. Naseef briefed the Crown Prince on the University's activities and its great and remarkable role in the service of great numbers of Muslims. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received the Indian ambassador to the Kingdom M.O.H. Farooq. The Indian ambassador to the Kingdom conveyed greetings of President Abdul Kalam of India and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Crown Prince thanked President Abdul Kalam of India and the Prime Minister. During the meeting, the discussed ways of cooperation between the two countries. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received a letter from British Secretary of State for Defense Dr. John Reid. The letter was handed to the Crown Prince by British Ambassador to the Kingdom Sherard Cowper-Coles during an audience. The British Ambassador to the Kingdom conveyed greetings of Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Minister Tony Blair to the Crown Prince who in turn sent his greetings to the Queen and the Prime Minister. During the audience, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed ways of cooperation between the two countries. In Jeddah Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, received Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, accompanied by the governors of the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who are currently participating in the annual 12th meeting of the governors. The meeting was attended by Prince Ahmad Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Prince Mohammed Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, has underlined the importance of the 12th meeting of the governors of the regions, and said the meeting had adopted a number of important recommendations. Speaking at a press meeting, Prince Naif said the participants of the meeting had reviewed authorities of the governors of the regions, and the role of the Councils of the regions in the service of the citizens. The government will study the possibility of creating recreational and sports clubs specifically meant for young men, Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, said in a press conference after the 12th annual meeting of regions Emirs in Jeddah. Prince Naif indicated that a study will be made for the creation of clubs offering various sports and intellectual activities in all Saudi cities, with participation from the private sector. Regions councils have been commissioned with this task and will submit their recommendations to the government within three months, said the Prince. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz said that the creation of more regions is possible in light of the rising population and the Kingdom vast territory, which should provide services on a larger scope. Prince Naif said that the Ministry has already formed a team at the Naif University for Security Sciences to observe and monitor devious thought in the Kingdom's various regions. He added that the Shoura Council has also formulated a number of recommendations, which together with those of the regions emirates, will be incorporated into a broader strategy. Prince Naif added that, with help also enlisted from clerics, intellectuals and the media, negative thoughts, which conflict with religion and with the nation's interests will be rooted out. In answer to a question on whether some of the individuals who had turned themselves in to the government for security charges have benefited from the Royal pardon granted before the month of Ramadan, and the fact that Iran has repeatedly declared that it has extradited detainees to the Kingdom, Prince Naif said that a Royal pardon for prisoners sentenced on public charges is issued each year and has nothing to do with the detainees or those who have turned themselves in. The Prince said that those who have turned themselves in or who have been turned in by their families will receive special treatment on condition of proving they have abandoned their devious thinking. Prince Naif said the Kingdom has a joint security agreement with Iran, and that the extradition does not constitute anything new. We are keen to activate our joint security agreement with Iran, the Interior Minister added. He said that Saudi officials have been to Guantanamo for the issue of Saudi detainees there, and that the issue is still being followed up with US authorities. He explained that it is up to the US to decide on this matter, adding that that there are promises to release a large number of Saudis. Prince Naif also said that detaining those who espouse devious thought does not have the sole purpose of questioning them but also of giving them advice. He added that a number of clerics visit the detainees and talk with them. Some were more receptive than others, but I hope that the majority will eventually adopt a positive attitude and retract their devious thinking, he said. Prince Naif said that reports exchanged between the emirs of regions and the High Tourism Authority look at identifying the optimum ways to develop tourism in their respective areas. In answer to a question on whether the activities of charity associations and the channeling of Zakat funds are under scrutiny, Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz said, we trust those in charge of the said associations, but this does not conflict with the fact that scrutiny exercised by the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Social Affairs is important. Prince Naif said that the manner in which Zakat is paid is a personal issue, as some opt for paying it to a number of associations. However, to my knowledge, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has issued directives for the formation of a high committee consisting of clerics, officials and ministers to examine the issue of Zakat in general. The commission, which will have branches Kingdom-wide, is still under consideration by the Shoura Council. In answer to a question on the possibility of women obtaining seats in the Council of Ministers, Prince Naif said that the statements of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in this regard are clear. We have not heard from him that this matter will be given consideration, he said. However, other posts in the area of services for females exist and are available. Replying to a question on the statements given by the Iraqi interior minister and the ensuing apology for such statements, as well as the dispatch of an Iraqi security delegation to the Kingdom soon, Prince Naif said that the delegation issue was discussed between himself and the Iraqi Interior Minister at the meeting of Interior Ministers of Iraq s neighbouring countries held in Istanbul. We have discussed this matter and agreed to cooperate on security and that a security working group will be dispatched by Iraq to meet with Saudi security officials. However, no one came since then and we have received no communication in this regard. Prince Naif said that there is no doubt that the statements of the Iraqi interior minister are unfortunate and unjustified, and do not agree in any manner with the spirit and loyalty to Iraq as voiced by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I know as you all do that (the Iraqi minister) has retraced these statements which unquestionably do not serve Iraq nor the joint Arab action in the interest of the Iraqi people. In answer to a question on the solutions devised by the Ministry of Interior to curb the return of overstayers to the Kingdom following their deportation, and the use of fingerprints to achieve this, Prince Naif said that when these individuals are deported, sufficient information on them is documented to prevent their return. I do not believe that they disguise themselves to the extent of being unrecognizable, he said. God willing, those who have been permanently excluded from the country will not be able to return and those who have been excluded for a given period of time will not be able to return before then. In answer to a question on curbing the phenomenon of beggary, Prince Naif said that beggary prevention does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry, which can only assist in making arrests. This is where the role of the Ministry of Social Affairs begins. On the part played by the Ministry of the Interior to curb infiltration into the Kingdom through the northern and southern borders, Prince Naif said that infiltration from the north is extremely limited to a few cases which are appropriately dealt with through the patrols. Moreover, concerning the Kingdom's mutual northern borders with Iraq and Jordan, visibility is high and the terrain is smooth. As for the southern borders, there are mountainous regions which are extremely difficult to tread. However, there are intensive efforts there and hundreds are arrested. Those who are interested in visiting this area are welcome to go and see for themselves the large numbers of people who are arrested, given kind treatment, and returned to their home countries. Prince Naif said that the Kingdom s natural environment and the rugged terrain may help some individuals infiltrate into the Kingdom. Our brothers in Yemen have promised to reinforce the frontier corps in order to assist in this matter. Prince Naif also said that security cooperation between the Kingdom and Yemen is currently at its best. In answer to a question on the date for disclosing the sources of financing terrorism in the Kingdom, Prince Naif said, we have to wait for some time until we make sure that everything is covered and that security matters are not affected. On the issue of the Burmese individuals in the Kingdom, Prince Naif said that they are not without an identity. These are the citizens of a country. They are Muslims who came to perform Haj but unfortunately have not been permitted to return. We approached our brothers in Bangladesh to allow them to join refugees there, but this proved impossible. Therefore, we were forced to keep them, but we issued them with residence permits and allowed them to work. We urge businessmen and companies to hire them or allow them to work in homes or wherever possible. He stressed the importance of taking the required arrangements for combating the deviated ideas, and said the Riyadh-based Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and the Shoura (consultative) Council will give a great attention to this issue. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of Higher Panel of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud World Prize for Prophet's Sunnah (Tradition) and Contemporary Islamic Studies patronized the first concluding ceremony of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud Contest for Prophet's Sayings Memorization organized by the Prize's General Secretariat. Upon arrival at the venue, he was received by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah Region; Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Prize's General Supervisor; Prince Mohammed bin Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs; other princes and officials. Prince Naif was accompanied by a number of princes. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Prince Naif pointed out in his speech that correct understanding and memorization of Sunnah will prevent our sons from the deviation of thoughts. He announced the expansion of Prophet's Sayings Memorization Contest to include girl students in its next session. Prince Naif also announced that a permanent headquarters of the Prize's Secretariat is under establishment to be a prominent landmark of the Prophet's city and a scholarly civilized and world center for extending the bridges of contacts among scholars, researchers and students. Addressing the ceremony, Prince Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz said that the prize has been an image of the government's interest under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and the Crown Prince in the Holy Quran and Sunnah (Tradition) which have granted the Kingdom a pioneering position in the world. The speakers included General President of the Grand and Prophet's Mosques; Minister of Education Dr. Abdullah Ibn Salih Al-Obaid and Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Prize's Secretary General Dr. Saed Al-Urabi Al-Harithi. Then Dr. Al-Harithi announced the winners of the prize. Prince Naif handed the prizes to the winners from various regions of the Kingdom. Later Prince Naif visited the exhibition accompanying the contest. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Saed Al-Urabi Al-Harithi, Advisor to the Minister of Interior and Prize's Secretary General said that the patronization of this ceremony by Prince Naif emphasized his interest in achieving the noble goals of the prize in all its branches for the service of Prophet's Sunnah and contemporary Islamic studies. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, visited the Prophet's Mosque. He was welcomed by a number of senior officials. Prince Naif had arrived in Madinah to patronize the ceremony of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Contest for the Memorization of the Prophet's Hadeeth (sayings). He was accompanied by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Nawaf Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz and Prince Fahd Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz as well as a number of senior officials. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior graced a fast breaking party held in his honor by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah Region. Upon arrival at Prince Miqren's residence, Prince Naif was received by a number of princes. The party was attended by princes, Muslim scholars and senior officials. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior left after patronizing the first concluding ceremony of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Contest for Memorization of Prophet's Sayings. At Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz Airport, he was seen off by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah Region, a number of princes and officials. A number of Ulema (Muslim scholars) have praised Prince Naif Contest for Memorization of Prophet's Sayings, considering the contest as an integration of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud International Prize for Prophet's Sunnah (tradition) and Contemporary Islamic Studies. In statements to the Saudi Press Agency, they stressed that the contest comes as an embodiment of the Saudi government's interest in adherence to Prophet's Sunnah. The scholars included Imam and Speaker of Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Dr. Ali Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Huthaifi; Head of Sunnah Jurisprudence and its Sources Department at Prophet's Sayings College of Madinah-based Islamic University Dr. Abdul Rahman Ibn Salih Al-Shamrani; Dean of Prophet's Sayings College of Madinah-based Islamic University Dr. Hussein Ibn Shareef Al-Abdali; and Imam and Speaker of Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Salah Ibn Mohammed Al-Budair. The officials who hailed the contest also included Undersecretary of the governorate of Madinah region Abdul Kareem Al Hnaini, Vice General President of the Prophet's Mosques Affairs Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Falih and Mayor of Madinah region Abdul Aziz Al Hosain. Two Saudi Muslim scholars have praised Prince Naif Contest for Memorization of Prophet's Sayings. In press statements, they stressed that the contest comes as an embodiment of the importance of adherence to Prophet's Sunnah. The two scholars who spoke on Prince Naif Contest for Memorization of Prophet's Sayings are the Grand Mufti of the kingdom Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Mohammad Al Al Sheikh and President of the Supreme Judicial Council Sheikh Salih Ibn Mohammad Al Luhaidan.