In interview to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Seyassah:

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques says Crown Prince Sultan's health condition is good, fully recovered

Crown Prince approves addition of general information quiz as prerequisite for acceptance in military academies

Second Deputy Premier Prince Naif patronizes graduation of general security qualifying training course

King Saud University launches Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Chair for Historical Studies

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of congratulation to Jordan's King Abdullah II on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.

In his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished King Abdullah II permanent good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez De Kirchner on the anniversary of her country's National Day.

In his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King wished the President permanent good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, has sent a cable of congratulation to Jordan's King Abdullah II on the anniversary of his country's Independence Day.

In his cable, the Crown Prince wished the King permanent good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Crown Prince and Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General has sent a cable of congratulations to Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez De Kirchner on the anniversary of her country's National Day.

In his cable, the Crown Prince wished the President permanent good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has sent a cable of congratulation to Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh on the anniversary of his country's Unity Day.

In his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King wished the President permanent good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

Crown Prince Sultan has sent a cable of congratulation to Yemen's President Saleh on the anniversary of his country's Unity Day.

In his cable, the Crown Prince wished the President permanent good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity.

King Abdullah received a message from Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The message was handed over to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani during an audience held by the King at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

During the audience, Qatari Prime Minister conveyed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques the greetings of Qatari Emir. In turn, the King sent his greetings to the Emir. During the audience, issues of common interest were discussed.

The audience was attended by Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier Minister and Interior Minister; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Saud, Adviser to the King; Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet; Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, Adviser to the King; and Qatari Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ali bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.

Also, King Abdullah received at the Royal Court at Al-Yamamah Palace Swiss President and Chief of Federal Department of Finance, Hans-Rudolf Merz and the accompanying delegation.

During the audience, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques welcomed the President to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For his part, the Swiss President thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the good reception and hospitality.

Then, they discussed ways of enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields.

The audience was attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren bin Abdulaziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Mansour bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Adviser to the King; Prince Dr. Bandar bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Saud, Adviser to the King; Dr. Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, Finance Minister; Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, Adviser to the King; Saudi Ambassador to Switzerland Hazem Mohammed Krkitli; and Swiss Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Maurice Darier.

Council Chairman Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh received the Swiss President and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, Dr. Al Al-Sheikh briefed the Swiss President on the tasks of the Shoura Council. They also discussed issues of common interest between the two countries, particularly ways of enhancing parliamentary cooperation.

The meeting was attended by a number of officials.

Merz received Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister.

During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland as well as a number of regional and international issues.

The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah chaired the Cabinet meeting at the Royal Court at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

At the outset of the session, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques briefed the cabinet on the discussions, consultations, meetings and contacts he made over the past few days with leaders and envoys of friendly countries including his meeting with Swiss President Merz which concentrated on the bilateral fraternal relations between the two countries. He also briefed the cabinet on the messages he received from Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as well as Tajik President Emomali Rahmonov.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Abdulaziz bin Moheiaddin Khoja said that the Cabinet also reviewed the recommendations of the 36th Meeting of Islamic Countries' Foreign Ministers held in Damascus last Saturday, expressing hope that these will help enhance cooperation between these countries and will eventually help overcome whatever obstacles and threats that might arise regionally and internationally.

Dr. Khoja added that the cabinet also hailed the 8th Meeting of Islamic Affairs Ministers held last Saturday in Riyadh as well as other religious, economic and social events. He added that the cabinet valued the appreciation expressed by the participants for the continuous successes made by the Kingdom concerning the awareness-raising programs, dialogue as well as enhancing pre-emptive measures against terrorism and extremism. The Cabinet also hailed the King's call for inter-faith dialogue as the only way for bridging cultural gaps as well as achieving informative communication.

Domestically, Dr. Khoja added that the cabinet listened to a report by Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior on the role and services provided by the Ministries of Interior and Finance as well as relevant governmental bodies to contain the recent tremors resulting from seismic activities in Madina and Tabuk regions.

Moreover, Dr. Khoja added that, in his report, Prince Naif also briefed the cabinet on the evacuation of citizens from the areas within the earthquake zone. Prince Naif also referred to the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) report which confirmed a decrease in the earthquake intensity, predicting calm in the area.

The King directed that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the flow of all crucial supplies and support to citizens.

Dr. Khoja concluded that after closely reviewing its agenda, the cabinet approved the following:

First: all relevant bodies must fully apply the cabinet's decision number (76) dated 23/3/1426H concerning vehicles seized in criminal cases.

Second: the cabinet approved that special committees be set up with the sole task of selling at public auctions vehicles belonging to unknown owners and which are currently being held for precautionary or penal measures.

The Cabinet approved the Regulation of the Car and Motorcycle Clubs. The most prominent feature of the regulation is to help the youth spend well their spare times and provide internationally appropriate places for practicing the hobby of car and motorcycles sports. Schools for teaching the skills of these sports shall be opened. The General Presidency for Youth Welfare shall supervise these clubs.

The Cabinet approved the scale of health jobs covered by the law issued according to the decision of the Civil Service Council number 1/241 dated 28/3/1412 H.

The Cabinet approved the scale of Saudi health practitioners working as part of the program of operation of government hospitals.

Those covered by the two aforementioned scales of health jobs and Saudi health practitioners shall enjoy allowances for rarity, distinction, training and supervision. The allowances for rarity and distinction shall not exceed 30% of the first grade of the level occupied by the employee. The training allowance shall not exceed SR2000 monthly.

The health institutions and universities shall provide housing for physicians and dentists. The allowance for housing shall not exceed SR50000 annually.

The Cabinet approved measures relating to the cases of juveniles and girls when there is a need for detaining them in areas that have no houses for social monitoring or institutions for girls. The measures provide for promptly transporting juveniles and girls in custody to houses for social monitoring or institutions for girls. The measures also state that in all cases requiring the transport of juveniles and girls, the transport shall be carried out in the company of the custodian of the juvenile or girl - or in the company of a female prison guard if possible and the custodian in the case of the transport of girls. The transport shall be carried out in the company of a representative of the Commission of Virtue Promotion and Vice Prevention and by plane if an airport is near.

The Cabinet approved two appointments at the 15th and 14th ranks and one appointment at the rank of minister plenipotentiary as follows:

1- Hazzaa' bin Hammas bin Sultan Ala'asmi is appointed to the position of administrative advisor (rank 15) at the Ministry of Justice,

2- Nasir bin Ahmad bin Abdullah Ala'skar is appointed to the position of assistant undersecretary of the governorate for security affairs (rank 14) at the governorate of the Eastern Region, and

3- Homood bin A'ayed bin A'waidhah Alahmadi is appointed to the position of minister plenipotentiary at the Foreign Ministry.

On the other hand, King Abdullah has reassured all people about the health condition of Crown Prince Sultan.

"I say to all who are concerned about his condition that he has been recovered', said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in an interview with Ahmed Al-Jarallah, the Editor-in-Chief of the Kuwait-based 'Al-Seyassah' newspaper. Following is the text of the interview:

Q- Everyone is eagerly asking about the latest developments pertaining to the recent medical checkup of Crown Prince Sultan?

A- Thanks to Allah Almighty, the Crown Prince is in a good situation, and I say this for reassuring all who are concerned about him.

"Allah Almighty has been merciful with Crown Prince Sultan who has done a lot for his religion and world. Sultan is a pioneer in doing good acts for the sake of his God and the service of his country and citizens.

With the grace of Allah Almighty, Sultan will remain the best assistant to us as regards taking care of the people of the country and its visitors - the guests of God.

We along with our people in the Kingdom, have followed up the progress of his medical treatment around the clock, especially during the successful operation he has recently undergone. He is now in a good health condition and spending some days for rest, and we pray to Allah Almighty to return him safely to his country, people and well-wishers.

Once again, I say brother Ahmad that Sultan is in a good condition".

Q- Following your appealing speech at the Kuwait Economic and Social Summit in which you started by criticizing yourself before criticizing others, to what extent has your address elicited the desired response of the Arab World regarding what you have asked of the leaders of the Ummah (nation)?

A- First, let me say to you and to all those who read or hear this reply of mine that I am pained as one of those in charge of the affairs of Arabs and Muslims. I was reviewing the events, preoccupations and issues surrounding us and feared that we will face trouble due to our division. I consulted myself and there was the speech in which I began by criticizing myself although we were the ones who received the blows and even some hardships from those callous-hearted (God save us). I called for a real Arab reconciliation where parties know the causes of the problems so as to begin the process of identifying the ways of remedy... and why not? Our Arab world has abundant resources and means of political power. However, what seem lacking are the solidarity of its leaders, the binding together of the interests of its people, and the creation of collective cooperation instead of unilateral, bilateral or trilateral work.

I felt that all at the Kuwait Summit were in agreement with me. I followed the echoes of this call in the Arab world. God knows, it is a sincere call, and we seek nothing but the best for all. I followed what was written about it. It was encouraging and comforting. Although the call took a course which was not all that we hoped for, but it was a pleasant course reflecting a great response from the leaders of our Arab countries. It is true that there has been some Egyptian disappointment over certain positions of some, yet Egypt and its president Mohammad Hosni Mubarak has been quick to graciously bypass those positions and, as it has always done, responded to the call for reconciliation with great awareness and understanding. Anyway, the situation is now better.

We have overcome the past, and are now traveling a better course. Hopefully, it will get better and better.

In fact, whenever I look at the world of the Arab nation, I ask myself: why are we in such a situation? All potentials of political, economic and social progress are available to us. We need nothing more than sincere and honest intentions.

Q- To where is the economic situation of the world heading?

A- In the meeting of the recent G20 Summit, we heard views and comments from great minds and experts of great countries. In all humbleness and honesty, we are just a drop in their vast financial and economic sea. We have a conviction that leaders of these countries that have huge economies greatly affecting the world economy will not let their countries be held hostage to a baseless destruction caused by panic or the winds of a crisis that can be easily defeated. This is what happened. We are now witnessing the recovery of the economies of these countries; in fact, the initial indications of this recovery clearly appeared during the convening of that summit. We even believe that this recovery's pace is faster than we thought and expected during the meeting. We feel that the panic felt by economists in most countries of the world upon the onslaught of the crisis is waning as expected.

Q- What about the economy of Saudi Arabia?

A- We are well. I said this previously. At the height of the panic that swept the whole world, I said to you that our economy is very well. Like many countries, we were affected by a slight panic which has, I think, disappeared when our people realized that our economy is well and capable of overcoming the effects of any unexpected world financial crisis.

The volume of spending of the new announced budget of the kingdom increased over the previous budget by about SR40 billion, about USD10 billion. We have increased the numbers of expenditure and matched our statements with deeds. Huge infrastructure projects' contracts have been signed including a network of roads totaling more than 8,000 kilometers in addition to railways exceeding 4,000 kilometers that it might be the longest in the world. Soon, we will announce other major projects also covering the infrastructure and construction and industry in the city of Yanbu' and water projects costing some SR9 billion in the capital, Riyadh, alone. You must also have seen or heard about the projects announced in the Eastern Region; they are productive and welfare projects.

Yes, we promised an increase in spending and we are making good on what we committed ourselves to.

Q- It is said that you liquidated or sold some of your sovereign investments shares. Do you need cash?

A- No Saudi sovereign investment has been sold. I want to stress an important point: the funds and assets of the kingdom have not been affected by the world economic crisis which is now gradually easing as I told you. So, we don't need to sell any of our investments. If we have a little low prices in few of these investments, that does not mean any realized loss as it is just a decrease in book value. If there was a sale, it was for a correction of investment positions for a better performance and revenues we benefit from. All is done according to professional studies and analyses carried out by the financial departments of the state.

Q- Then, you are saying that you are continuing the projects of development and you have no cash shortages?

A- Yes, we are continuing the implementation of what we promised of projects as these are set in development plans. The volume of spending will not decrease. We need no local or foreign loans. We will spend in a way that will not bring back to us the state of inflation that we managed to control and receded excellently and according to what is in conformity with our efforts for a healthy Saudi economy.

My instructions for our economic apparatus is there should be no waste and that projects should be productive and should be able to regain the money invested in them according to an economic strategy that increases the economic strength of the state and meets its objectives in the coming budgets which should have higher numbers than their predecessors.

Q- What about the oil prices which witness a state of instability?

A- We still think that the fair price is $75 may be $80 per barrel, particularly in the present time as oil is an important strategic substance to which the world will be in dire need in the years to come more than in the past years, and it will continue to remain energy's most important irreplaceable element. Therefore, it is not important to talk about the years of need for it; rather we should talk about the importance of its alternative, had it depleted or its supply resources contracted. This is what is important in my view.

As regards the issue of price fluctuations, the matter is attributed to the developments of the world market circumstances, bearing in mind that these changes should eventually settle at a high oil price in the future. The reasons of price fall in the past are well known and they might not be repeated in future at all as we now witness a swift recovery of the world economy and we see signals of demand increase for this substance. Oil will remain an important energy source for many years to come, perhaps more years than those since its discovery.

Q- When the world economic crisis broke out, what were the concerns of the GCC member states at the time?

A- Actually there were fears. In meetings of the GCC leaders, this issue was repeatedly discussed. We decided to underscore the importance of economic inter-relatedness and interest-based ties among our countries in a fast and better way. We also discussed a number of views, all seeking the protection of the economies of the region, moving internationally as one unit in our contribution to solutions, and promoting increased economic openness among our countries, including agreement on the monetary union after having been certain of its benefits and importance to enhancing our countries' economic power regionally and internationally. After all, we enjoy 30 percent of the world's proven reserves.

Q: What is the impact of UAE withdrawal from the Gulf Monetary Union which was announced few days ago? A: Our brothers in the UAE are the sons of our brother Late Sheikh Zayed (May Allah bless his soul) who was one of the pillars in establishing the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Undoubtedly, the agreement on GCC Monetary Union will be reviewed before being approved or forced. Of course, this review will come up with results and decisions issuing froth from the fabric of the historical gulf values which we all cherish and these enrich our cooperation relations. The honorable stances of Sheikh Zayed (May Allah bless his soul) in this regard made him a leader committed to gulf passionate ties and closeness.

The GCC leaders realize that interdependence among their countries is their future, power and fortitude. We are confident that the UAE will not hesitate to consolidate the bonds of interdependence and enhance the desired strength of our countries. Our historical heritage is one, and our objective is one country in which no brother is called to account.

Generally, the atmosphere of reviewing the monetary union agreement is open. The UAE has conscientious leadership embodied in the sons of Zayed (May Allah bless his soul). They are aware of the affairs of their country. We do not doubt their keenness on strengthening GCC resolutions.

Q: Will the withdrawal of the UAE from the Gulf Monetary Union affect the UAE-Saudi relations?

A: The GCC leaders may disagree on particular issues or views, but this disagreement disappears soon whether in GCC Summits or through bilateral meetings. The difference of opinion has not constituted a difference for the entire march and history of our council. Therefore, the Kingdom and the UAE will remain brothers, and any difference of opinion, as I told you, will soon disappear when reviewing the causes of this difference in the future. The UAE is ruled by brilliant minds that are able to sift through issues.

However, the issues raised in the GCC are agreed upon by the six states not by a particular one; that is to say, it is an agreement to achieve the interests of every one in a way that benefits the entire region and links the interests of the gulf peoples. On this basis, there will not be any difference, and the next review prior to the implementation will solve what has been disagreed on.

Q: U.S. President Barack Obama will address the Islamic world from Cairo in a few days. What is your comment?

A: We are waiting for what President Obama will say. We are neither war advocates nor problem seekers, we are peace advocates. We want to invest in the development of our countries and peoples. We are facing an accelerated time that we hope to use in a way that serves the people, and we believe that the loss lies in the time that goes in vain without any achievements. Let us wait for what the U.S. President will say; perhaps his speech will include justice to Arab and Muslim causes. Such justice has always been the request we presented to the successive U.S. administrations.

Recently we held a conference on dialogue of religions in the United States. During the conference, we talked about our demands to establish peace on earth, and leave to Allah all accounts. At that time, we received great active response from various capitals of the world and decision-makers. We continue to seek more of these positive results on the ground.

The United States is a great and important country not only to our Arab zone, but also to the world at large. I repeat here that we ask nothing from it other than fairness and justice to the causes of Arabs and the Islamic religion which advocates tolerance and compassion as well as noble deeds.

Our religion is a religion of justice and moderation, a religion of tolerance, love and brotherhood and a religion that encourages people to enrich the relationships with each other. It is my message that I renew, please brother Ahmed convey it to whoever is willing to realize what Allah has ordered.

On the other hand, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, patronized the inauguration ceremony of a new batch of qualifying courses at Public Security Training City in Riyadh.

At the venue, he was received by Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs; General Saeed bin Abdullah Al-Gahtani, Director of Public Security, and senior officers.

A speech ceremony was held to mark the occasion. General Al-Gahtani said there are 175 projects dealing with training cities and force camps throughout the Kingdom aiming at improving the security performance.

Then Prince Mohammed bin Naif opened the 3rd Security exhibition in which several security companies take part.

The event was attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz; Prince Nawaf bin Naif bin Abdulaziz; Prince Fahd bin Naif bin Abdulaziz and senior officials.