Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz: I call on our brothers in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon to stick to national unity and put aside all differences

We continue efforts to activate and bolster Sultan bin Abdulaziz Charity for humanitarian, social and charitable work

Saudi Arabia calls on US and Iran to self-restrain after Strait of Hormuz incident

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received senior commanders and officers of the branches of the armed forces, the National Guard and public security led by chief of the general staff general Salih bin Ali Almohyah who came to greet the crown prince.

The Crown Prince honored the retired personnel of the armed forces for the year 1428 H and a speech ceremony were held on the occasion.

The crown prince made a statement in which he said, "I welcome you on this day and I repeat my congratulations to you on Eid Aladha."

Crown Prince Sultan added, "We praise Allah (God) for honoring us with the service of the two holy mosques and the honor of providing comfort to the guests of the grand house of God.

I am honored to convey to you greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the supreme commander of all armed forces. I also convey them to all those working with you in all regions, bases and in various fields.

"Our country is keen on development and welfare of the citizens in our dear country economically, medically, educationally and in all fields.

The contents of this year's state budget, which has been directed to comprehensive development, are but evidence of this.

Your country will continue its role in boosting the stability of the world economy because what concerns the world concerns us and what happens in the economies of the other countries affects us.

The kingdom is part of this world. It affects and is affected by it.

" "The achievements which have taken place and which will take place in our armed forces will continue with all comprehensiveness and effectiveness.

In this regard, I would like to commend the care and attention paid by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the modernization and development of all military and security sectors.

Due to this constant generous support, these sectors have been able to realize great achievements reflected in attracting and training large numbers of our citizens, developing the military infrastructure and acquiring the latest weapons to maintain the safety of the homeland and citizens. On this occasion, I extend great thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for all kinds of support he provides."

The crown prince said, "I am very happy that on this blessed day we honor a number of brothers who have retired after they spent among us years of their hopefully long life.

During these years, they have exerted great efforts in the various fields they have worked in. They have been sincere and serious men.

They will begin a new course of life carrying with them practical and scientific qualifications. I say to these brethren thank you for what you have presented and welcome to you to add other building blocs in the process of the comprehensive development in our dear country.

"Our country is the country of Islam and Islam is the religion of peace. Our God has ordered us to unite ... and on this basis, I urge our brethren in Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon to hold on to national unity, put differences aside, give priority to the higher interest of their peoples and to stand united in the face of those trying to destabilize their security and undermine their national unity.

I hope to meet you in other occasions. I hope our nation will be strong and dignified. I pray to Allah to keep our nation secure, stable and developed and to keep our king and our supreme commander of all armed forces, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and all his trusted and sincere men."

Then, the crown prince honored and handed to the retirees of the armed forces memorial certificates and shields on this occasion.

The audience was attended by Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs, and other officials.

Then, all joined the crown prince to have the lunch held on this occasion.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received a number of princes and a group of citizens who came to greet him.

The audience was attended by Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Musaed, Adviser to the Crown Prince; and Mohammed bin Salem Al-Marri, Special Secretary to the Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, received Secretary General of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry Dr. Fahd bin Saleh Al-Sultan; Chairman of the National Committee for Quality at the Council Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Azzam; and members of the Committee.

The Crown Prince praised the efforts exerted by the members of the Committee to spread the concepts and applications of quality in public and private sectors, wishing them success in their work to serve homeland and citizens.

On his part, the Secretary General thanked the Crown Prince for receiving them and briefed him on the mechanisms, programs and objectives that the Committee is seeking to achieve.

The audience was attended by Prince Dr. Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Musaed, Adviser to the Crown Prince; and Mohammed bin Salem Al-Marri, Special Secretary to the Crown Prince.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has sent a cable of thanks to The Secretary General of Muslim World League (MWL), Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulmohsin Al-Turki and the participants of the 8th Makkah Conference held recently by the MWL.

In a reply cable, the Crown Prince thanked them for their best wishes and good feelings and lauded their blessed efforts in studying Islamic doctrine.

Earlier, MWL Secretary General had sent a cable of thanks and appreciation from the MWL and all those who participated in the 8th Makkah Conference for his support to the activities of the MWL as well as his blessed efforts in serving Islam and follow-up of Muslim affairs.

On behalf of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Assistant Defense and Aviation Minister for Military Affairs, signed a contract pertaining to establishment and financing the Research Chair of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz for environment and wildlife with Dr Abdullah al-Othman, the director of King Saud university.

The Research Chair aims at preparing studies and conducting researches on the conservation of the wildlife and enhancing cooperation among specialists in the field of environmental and wildlife sciences as well as training national cadres.

It also aims at extending consultation to the governmental authorities and private sectors in addition to organizing lectures and workshops for researchers in the field of environment and wildlife.

The case of a Saudi student jailed in the US since 2004 will be among the issues to be discussed between the Saudi King, the Crown Prince and US President George W. Bush during his visit to Saudi Arabia next week.

"The custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz will discuss a number of issues that concern Saudi Arabia, including the Middle East peace process, bilateral relations and the case of Saudi student Homaidan Al Turki, who is under arrest in the US," Prince Bander Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, the secretary general of the Saudi National Security Council, said.

Prince Bander, the former Saudi ambassador to the United States, said in a statement that the case of Al Turki would not affect the Saudi overseas scholarship program.

He expressed hope that the issue would be solved.

Al Turki was sent to Denver State University in Colorado on a scholarship to obtain PhD in phonetics by Imam Mohammad Islamic University in Riyadh. He got a master's degree with honors and was about to complete his doctorate program when he was arrested in 2004.

"We are following the case as he [Al Turki] is a Saudi citizen and we have responsibility to protect and defend him and we will continue to do so," Prince Bander pointed out. He indicated that the security situation in America is difficult to deal with, pointing to the security measures before and after September 11. He urged Saudi students studying abroad to respect the rules of hosting countries and to take care from the enemies of Islam.

"Respect rules and laws in the countries where you study and be careful of the enemies of Islam, particularly some Muslims who become playthings in the hands of non-Muslims," he pointed out.

Concerning the relations between the two countries, ha said he is sorry for affecting the relation between them at a time in which the kingdom got use of it for the sake of Islam and Muslims’ issues.

About the visa problems, ha said that the ministry of foreign affairs is working hard to cooperate with the American side to attain the visa as quickly as possible.

Prince Bander said that the American people are kind and easy to deal with them and the most suitable means of communication is to hold a dialogue with them and keep a distance from fight.

About the hike in prices for students in abroad missions, Prince Bander said this a problem suffered by all countries without exception.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister and Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier held a joint press conference.

Delivering a statement at the outset of the conference, Prince Saud welcomed the Canadian Foreign Minister and the accompanying delegation to the Kingdom, saying:

"Our meeting today was a good opportunity for serious and deep talks on bilateral relations between the two countries and on regional and international issues of common interest.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will receive the Canadian Minister today''.

Prince Saud added, "With regard to bilateral relations between the two countries, we discussed the importance of strengthening these relations in many areas to serve our common interests, particularly the diversification of areas of bilateral cooperation between our two countries and the potential to expand and develop this cooperation".

We look forward to convening the 11th session of Saudi-Canadian Joint Committee in Riyadh along with the convention of Saudi-Canadian Business Council to strengthen the frameworks of cooperation and expand them in economic, commercial, cultural and educational fields.

We also discussed political, regional and international issues of importance for our two countries, especially the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Our viewpoints are identical regarding the importance of supporting the efforts to revive the peace process in the region in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the references of the Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map which constitute the bases and criteria agreed upon at the Annapolis International Peace in which our two countries participated.

In this regard, I commend Canada's effective role in support of the Palestinian people to ease their humanitarian suffering through various channels, means, relief programs and international assistance including its generous donation at Donors Conference recently held in Paris.

The Lebanese crisis was among the issues which have been discussed. As you know, the Arab League's Secretary General is visiting Lebanon today aiming to officially present the Arab League's decision to the Lebanese parties and call all of them to positively respond to the Arab League's plan which calls for an immediate solution to the crisis of the presidential portfolio on reconciliatory bases that meet the requirements of all parties and in a way that preserves the unity, independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.

Our talks also dealt with the situation in Iraq in view of the developments on land. We agree on the goals of preserving Iraq's security and stability under the umbrella of its independence and territorial integrity and distancing it from foreign interference.

We also agree on the importance of doubling efforts for achieving national reconciliation among the different races, faiths and political factions of Iraqis to reach these goals, a matter that requires double effort of the Iraqi government within the current political process.

We also discussed the nuclear file in the region and the importance of creating a nuclear and mass destruction weapons free zone in general.

We hope that this file will be settled peacefully and that the region's countries have the right to peaceful usage of nuclear energy according to standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and under its supervision.

On our part, we confirmed the importance of enforcing these measures on all the region's countries without exception including Israel.

Also discussed was the situation in Afghanistan and we expressed hope that stability of that country enjoys a deserved interest after prolonged dispute sufferings.

His Excellency is again welcome, and I give him the chance to address you.

On his part, the Canadian Foreign Minister said that during his talks with Prince Saud Al-Faisal, they laid stress on enhancing bilateral relations.

He added, "Saudi Arabia is a superpower politically and economically in the Arab world.

We look forward to further strengthening bilateral and regional relations between the two countries. Our talks focused on international and regional issues and the political process."

The Minister said, "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has demonstrated his leadership and support for the peace process in the Middle East through the initiative adopted by Arab states.

Canada also has a positive leadership in this regard. Our country contributed $ 300 million to maintain security and prosperity in Palestine. Canada will continue working with Saudi Arabia to achieve peace."

The Canadian Foreign Minister pointed out that he discussed with a number of officials in the Kingdom today a wide range of topics of mutual concern including industrial, trade and petroleum relations aiming to strengthen these relations between the two countries, adding that there are great opportunities for businessmen and Canadian companies in Saudi Arabia.

As for Saudi and Canadian companies, he said we want to increase their partnerships and added that we agreed to meet at Saudi-Canadian Business Forum for further strengthening of commercial relations, looking forward that his country will host this Economic Forum.

Then the two foreign ministers answered questions raised by reporters. In response to a question on the skirmishes which took place between Iranian boats and U.S. vessels and their impact on oil industry and price hikes and whether he could reassure the market that there will be an increase in oil output in the region, Prince Saud said that this is a very sensitive region for the world economy in particular, citing the reporter's comments that just a suspected clash led to the increase of price.

The incident confirms that any irresponsible act endangers the region and will not lead to its tranquility, Prince Saud said, hoping that the accident would not be repeated. He said self-constraint is essential for all players in the region.

Asked to comment on U.S. President Bush remarks that he would ask his friends in the countries he is planning to tour soon in the region to lend support for his country's plan to confront what he called Iranian aggression threat and, consequently, what is the Kingdom's position in this regard, Prince Saud said Saudi Arabia as a host is going to listen to what he says. As neighbors and having relations with Iran, we hope there would be no feelings of aggression among us, Prince Saud added.

If ever we feel any danger, we will not hesitate to discuss it with the Iranians, the Foreign Minister said.

However, the U.S. President is welcome to present whatever he likes and we are going to discuss the ideas with him from our own point of view.

In response to a question on whether the Saudi Thai diplomatic missions will be re-opened, Prince Saud Al-Faisal ruled out such a measure, pending the solution of problems between the two countries. Those kinds of problems are known to both of us, and we hope that the Thaïs will solve them.

On his part, the Canadian Minister, responding to a question on his plans to meet General Dayton during a visit to the Palestinian territories, said that Canada is proud of its $300 million contribution to the Palestinian Authority over five years. I am going to visit the Palestinian Territories and Israel after two days from now and discuss with them the peace process.

They have to negotiate and we are going to closely follow-up that and not hesitate to provide help if requested by the parties, he concluded.