Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, chaired the Cabinet’s weekly session at Al-Yamamah Palace here today.
At the outset of the session, the Cabinet was briefed on the latest developments in the region, their implications for security and stability, and the efforts exerted to promote the latter.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Dr Fouad bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, the Minister of Information, said that the Cabinet condemned Ariel Sharon’s policy of destruction, punishment of unarmed Palestinian people, and intransigence, the utilization of this oppressive policy to achieve gain in the Israeli election and his general endeavour to undermine the peace process.
The Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on talks held by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and the Crown Prince with Turkey’s Premier, Abdullah Gul, which covered the latest developments in the region and the international arena, and relations between the two brotherly countries.
Expressing the Kingdom’s extreme concern regarding developments of the situation in Iraq, the Cabinet stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq, as part of the Arab and Muslim nation. The Cabinet reiterated that war would result in loss for all parties. It emphasized that a chance should be given for the success of dialogue, noting that the Arab demand provides an opportunity for diplomatic action to save the region and the world from human catastrophe.
On domestic affairs, the Cabinet emphasized the great attention accorded by the government to heritage and culture, manifested at the National Festival for Heritage and Culture, which began in Janadriyah last Wednesday. The Crown Prince expressed his great appreciation for the impressive efforts exerted by all officials from various sectors participating in the Festival, which annually reflects distinguished accomplishments.
The Crown Prince praised the title of the Festival “This is Islam”, which covers important topics on Islam, its tolerance, refutation of charges and malicious fabrications directed towards Islam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He stressed that Islam is the religion of moderation and tolerance, which suits all times and places since it cares for human beings, promotes their interests and promotes love and tolerance among societies.
The Council then continued its discussion of the agenda and issued the following decisions:
Approval of the final accounts of the National Commission for the Protection of Wildlife and its Development for the fiscal year 1420 - 1421 H.
Authorization of the Minister of Interior or his deputy to discuss with the Russian side a draft agreement on security cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Federal Republic of Russia.
Authorization of the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy to discuss with the Nigerian side a draft memorandum of understanding and cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Approval of the final accounts of King Fahd National Library for the fiscal year 1421 - 1422 H.
Authorization of the General President of Youth Welfare or his deputy to sign a draft agreement on cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the fields of youth and sports.
Source: SPA
