Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi Ambassador to United Kingdom and Ireland, has confirmed that reform is an inherited part of the policy of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which always seeks to make this reform a success, based on the Shoura philosophy.
In a speech before the annual meeting of an international research organization interested in foreign relations and said to be pro-conservatives in Europe and the United States, which was held in Paris, Prince Turki gave an account of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulwahab's reformist Islamic call which was dealt wide criticism in Europe and the States.
He attributed the misunderstanding of the Europeans and Americans of bin Abdulwahab's call to ignorance and recent and old political disputes, noting that few of bin Abdulwahab's critics have read him directly.
"They are confused and do not differentiate between the Sheikh's views and of those who claim to be his followers", the Prince said.
Prince Turki highlighted Sheikh Abdulwahab's views on the importance of dialogue, spread of education, defense for women's rights and the oppressed.
"Bin Abdulwahab rejects terrorism, extremism and violence", the prince said, citing several statements by Abdulwahab's close and staunch followers.
He also added that Islam calls for peaceful co-existence among civilizations, religions and cultures.
He described Saudi Arabia as a moderate state which introduces reform and change according to the requirements of the era.
"Our critics call us strict Islamists but in fact we try to reach a balance among the different aspirations of our society", Prince Turki said.
He said reforms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a continuous process, citing the expansion of the Shoura Council from 60 members 12 years ago to 150 members currently.
He recalled the announcement made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz three years ago regarding political, economic, administrative, judiciary, and educational reforms and granting women equal chances in developing their country.
