The Jeddah-based ‘Okaz’ newspaper said that the demand of Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz to spare the lives of Iraqi civilians and to preserve the city of Baghdad as a capital of peace reflects the Kingdom’s esteem for Iraq, which occupies a significant place in the hearts and minds of Muslims and Arabs.
Makkah-based Al-Nadwa newspaper praised the Kingdom’s stance in defence of innocent Iraqi civilians and the country’s historical sites. “U.S. troops should not treat Baghdad as Saddam Hussein’s capital, but they should treat it as a capital which has a special place in the hearts of the Arabs and Muslims,” the paper said. The paper pointed out that the Kingdom has stressed the importance of the role of the UN in preserving the future of Iraq and the unity and safety of its territory.
Riyadh-based Al-Jazirah said that the shelling of Baghdad press offices was accidental. The paper noted that the current war is a war of nerves and propaganda, with tireless attempts by both sides to mislead public opinion and distract it from real developments.
Abha-based Al-Watan newspaper said that although the Iraqi opposition factions might hold different views on some issues, they are agreed upon the necessity of toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein and the Baath party.
Dammam-based Al-Yaum said that Saddam Hussein had subjected his people and country to dangers and suffering, in addition to troubling neighbouring countries. It noted that Arab satellite stations proved incapable of bravely telling Saddam Hussein to abdicate for the sake of his own people as the Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal recently did. “The satellite channels are actually encouraging the Iraqis to sacrifice for the sake of a ruler who has mercilessly and brutally suppressed them,” the daily said.
Source: SPA
