As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote a unified Arab stance on the Iraqi and Palestinian issues, Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, will visit a number of Arab countries, including Syria, Egypt and Morocco, the Foreign Minister, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, announced today, adding that Prince Abdullah’s tour of Arab countries would be followed by a trip to Russia.
In his weekly briefing, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said that Iraq remains a key concern for the Kingdom and other Arab countries. The Kingdom and Arab countries support Iraq to achieve its aspirations for a prosperous future, enjoying freedom, independence and sovereignty. He said that no matter whether Iraq is under foreign occupation, it remains at the heart of the Arab nation.
He said that the Kingdom’s government has been keen to foster a unified Arab stance on the Iraq issue, and welcomes the Arab Summit’s adoption of the proposal by the King of Bahrain to convene the Arab Follow-up Committee to discuss the matter and forward proposals to the Arab Summit.
Prince Saud expressed the Kingdom’s concern regarding Israel’s failure to implement the ‘Road Map’ to peace. The international community, represented by the Quartet Committee, which includes the United States, must urge Israel to live up to its commitments to implement the Road Map in order to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
He announced a forthcoming tour by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of several Arab countries, including Syria, Egypt and Morocco, in order to promote a unified Arab stance on various issues of concern. The tour will be followed by a visit to Russia.
The Foreign Minister said that on his recent visit to the United States he said that the Kingdom has nothing to hide, and questioned U.S. Administration on why the 28-page section of the congressional report remained classified.
He said that the Kingdom would not fall prey to false accusations, which are very dangerous. The Kingdom will not accept the accusations, and will not remain silent on the matter.
When asked about stories of mistreatment of Saudi nationals in the U.S. because of the new security measures of the Patriot Act, Prince Saud said: “If the U.S. implements security measures it believes serve its interests, that is its privilege.” He added that he believes the Patriot Act has not been successful either in increasing U.S. security or serving relations between the two countries.
Prince Saud was asked whether the Saudi-Iranian security pact retained validity, in view of Iran’s withholding of information on whether wanted Saudi suspects are currently being held in custody by Iranian security authorities, and reports that Iran is negotiating with the U.S. on their extradition to Washington. He said that Iran has previously extradited Saudis to the Kingdom, and he expects further cooperation in this regard, adding that consultation is currently underway between Saudi and Iranian Interior Ministers.
Prince Saud said that the imminent visit of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas to the Kingdom is expected to be fruitful, and will enable the two sides to discuss implementation of the ‘Road Map’ to peace, based on the Arab peace initiative.
When asked to confirm or deny an alleged accusation in the U.S. congressional report that the Palestinian Authority has requested the Kingdom to reduce financial donations to some Palestinian organisations classified as terrorist organizations, including HAMAS, Prince Saud said that since the Rabat meeting, the Kingdom has only been dealing with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which is the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
Prince Saud categorically denied reports that Saudi Arabia is openly or clandestinely financing Palestinian organizations rather than the legitimate Palestinian authority.
On sending Arab peace keeping forces to Iraq, he said that the issue could not be considered unless it was submitted to the Arab League by a legitimate Iraqi government.
Source: SPA
