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April 15, 2005 |
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THE CROWN PRINCE REVIEWS WITH THE FRENCH PRESIDENT THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE THE ARAB PEACE INITIATIVE, LEBANON, IRAQ AND FIGHTING TERRORISM. PRESIDENT CHIRAC: THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA IS ONE OF THE EFFECTIVE COUNTRIES IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IT IS KEEN ON PRESERVATION OF BALANCE, STABILITY AND PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THE CROWN PRINCE TO CHIRAC: FRANCE IS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE BIG COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD, BUT IT ALSO STANDS AS A SYMBOL FOR ILLUMINATION, MODERATION AND TOLERANCE AND WE CHERISH OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS. CHIRAC EXPRESSES GRIEF AND SORROW OVER THE ASSASSINATION OF RAFIQ HARIRI. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz met with President Jacques Chirac in Paris at the start of his three-day official visit to France. A senior official said Prince Abdullah's visit to France would be followed by a private trip to Morocco before leaving for the US on April 23 for a three-day official visit. The royal court confirmed the Crown Prince's official visits to France and the United States. "Prince Abdullah will leave for abroad on an official visit to France and the US," the Saudi Press Agency reported quoting the royal court. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the foreign minister and other high-ranking Saudi officials, accompany Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz on the trip, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said. Saudi and French officials said Prince Abdullah was scheduled to meet President Chirac twice. He will also hold talks with Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin in Paris. The visit "reflects the excellent relations between the Kingdom and France" which are in fact a "strategic partnership," said Saudi and French officials. They hailed France's "friendly" stands toward the Arabs. Asked about the Crown Prince's itinerary, a spokesman at the French Embassy, Alain Guepratte, said: "Crown Prince Abdullah will visit the Islamic Art Collection at the Louvre." Officials said talks between Saudi and French leaders will include UN reforms and GCC-EU agreement. The two are also expected to discuss the fight against terrorism and the role of France and the European Union in backing the Palestinian Authority. The talks will also include developments in Lebanon since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in February. Following his visit to France, the Crown Prince will go to the US where he will meet President Bush on April 24. The talks between the Crown Prince and Bush are important in view of the ongoing war on terrorism being waged by both countries. The talks will cover the full range of bilateral issues. The Crown Prince is likely to stress the Arab view that the re-launch of an initiative for peace with Israel during last month's Algiers summit illustrates that the Arabs are committed to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, left for Paris on a three-day official visit. At King Khaled International Airport, he was seen off by Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region; and a number of princes, ministers and high-ranking officials. Crown Prince Abdullah was accompanied by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister and a number of princes, ministers and high-ranking officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, arrived on an official visit to France. At Orly airport, he was received by French President Jacques Chirac and other senior officials. French President Jacques Chirac received Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and the accompanying delegation. Later Crown Prince Abdullah held bilateral talks with President Chirac. They reviewed the developments of the situation at the regional and international arenas, notably the Palestinian problem and the Arab peace initiative, approved by Beirut Summit in 2002. They also reviewed the situation in Iraq and Lebanon as well as the ongoing efforts for combating terrorism and aspects of cooperation between the Kingdom and France in a manner that serves mutual interests. At the dinner party held in honor of Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, President Jacques Chirac expressed happiness for the visit of Crown Prince Abdullah to France, and highlighted the existing friendly relation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France and France. 'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not only a friendly country with which France has always been conducting a dialogue, but it is also one of the effective countries in the international community', he said noting that the Kingdom is keen on preservation of balance, stability and peace in the Middle East. President Chirac praised the responsible role being played by the kingdom in the energy market. He pointed out that nine years ago, he had concluded with the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz a distinguished partnership, and said the partnership had positively contributed to further enhancing Saudi-French relations. The French President underlined the importance of regular consultations between the Kingdom and France on issues of mutual interest. He described the elections held in Iraq on Jan 30, 2005 as an importance political development, and said they were held in line with the resolution 1546. 'Intensive efforts should be exerted for reconstruction of Iraq and establishing a democratic government there', he said . As regards Lebanon, Chirac expressed grief and sorrow over the assassination of Rafiq Hariri, and said France will unwaveringly support the right of the Lebanese people to regain democracy, independence and sovereignty through democratic elections. President Jacques Chirac underlined the importance of formation of a new government in Lebanon in line with the resolution 1559, issued by the UN's Security Council. As regards the Palestinian -Israeli conflict, Chirac said the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza should provide an opportunity to re-launch the Road Map so as to pave the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state which coexists with Israel. Underscoring Crown Prince Abdullah's the peace initiate, approved by the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, President Chirac said the initiate constitutes a basic framework for the settlement of the dispute. President Chirac confirmed the keenness of his country on cementing its relations with the Kingdom, and lauded the significant role played by the Kingdom in combating terrorism. President Chirac said the Saudi-French partnership meets the aspirations of the Saudi and French people, who are looking for peace, stability as well as economic development. On his part, Crown Prince Abdullah expressed appreciation for the heartfelt feelings spelt out by Chirac, and highlighted the existing strong relations between the Kingdom and France. He noted that France is not only one of the big countries of the world, but it also stands as a symbol for illumination, moderation and tolerance. Crown Prince Abdullah said the Saudi-French relations are not only confined to one domain, but they comprise cultural, economic and defense cooperation as well as service of mutual interests. He reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom on further enhancing its relations with France. The dinner party was attended by Crown Prince Abdullah's accompanying delegation as well as a number of French ministers and senior officials. On the other hand Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz called on Europe to play a more effective role in the Middle East. "European countries understand the region affairs more accurately than the US .. so they should play a more effective role in this region," Saudi Crown Prince told French "Le Monde" newspaper in an interview publish on Tuesday ahead of his visit to France. Prince Abdullah renewed rejection to the war on Iraq, stressing peace couldn't be achieved through wars. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, focused on regional and international issues including the current situation in the Middle east, in an interview published today by the French Newspaper "Le Monde." In his interview, the Crown Prince also touched upon his current visits to France and the United States as well as the Kingdom's relations with the two countries. He also talked about terrorism and the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to eliminate it as well as a number of other local issues. The following is the text of the interview: Q: There is a lot of talk about winds of democracy blowing in the Middle East. However, a UN report written by a number of Arab researchers reached drastic results as it views the partial reforms, like the ones you have launched, as insufficient. What do you think? A: Democracy is part of our Islamic faith. I, too, would like to ask you a question. How old is your democracy and how long did it take for you to have a full democracy? We, too, shall, God willing, reach that end [in due time]. Justice, equality and respect of human rights are the most important. All these principles are dictated by our religion, as they are also dictated by all divine books of the Bible and Torah. Q: How do you foresee the Kingdom in 20 years from now? A: God alone knows. We are working to implement the real democracy we wish for, and I hope its realization will take less than 20 years. Q: Municipal elections have been held for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Will it be the first step towards parliamentary elections? A: Every thing is proceeding ahead on its right track, God willing. Q: You have initiated a number of National Dialogue sessions. What practical results are being sought? A: We have benefited greatly from these meetings. The National Dialogue has brought together the Saudi people whose different segments and sects have not been used to dialogue. Saudis have now become united brothers, and this alone is a benefit, a great benefit. Q: You say that each country should make its reforms in its own way. What is the Kingdom's way, then? A: Democracy and reforms cannot be imposed from outside. They must emanate from the people. Has someone imposed on you your own reforms? Q: You have accepted to receive us, two female journalists, and answer our questions. When can our Saudi counterparts be able to do that? A: In less than was needed by women in your culture to meet a man. And you could divide that by two. Q: Then, a Saudi female journalist can tomorrow interview you? A: The Saudi females have for sometime now found their way to public professional life. They work in banks and the public sector. In time, their ways of thinking as well as those of their husbands and sons will change. This needs a few years, less than the fingers of one hand. Q: Isn't it a contradiction that Saudi females pursue their higher studies and become academicians, artists, doctors and scientists and at the same time the application of their professional life remains under the custody of their close male relatives: husbands, brothers or even sons? A: This custody translates our protective concern for the woman and her dignity; after all, the woman is the sister, mother, wife, and daughter. My mother is the one on whose hands I have seen the light of life. Q: Two years ago, you announced that the Kingdom has to confront the phenomena of poverty and unemployment. What are the solutions you see? A: The Saudi press have exaggerated the issue of unemployment; newspapers claimed that some million Saudis are unemployed, but after investigating the matter, it proved to be that the number of job-seekers ranges between 200,000 - 300,000. Half of those have been employed, while the second half is made up of an unskilled category that rejects the kind of jobs offered them. However, to be fair to the newspapers, I can say that they were not just criticizing for the sake of mere criticism; their aim was to push towards reforms and to help the unemployed. Q: Since May 2003, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its residents were targeted by terrorists. Do you think that waging war against terrorism and suppressing those elements are the most effective means to wipe out the phenomenon? A: Terrorists are the enemies of Islam, humanity and human race; and we are going to fight them for ten, twenty or thirty years, if necessary, be they Muslims or non-Muslims. We started by calling on them to resort to reason, wisdom and dialogue, but in vain. They continued their activities, forcing us to confront their violence by force. Along with that, we have had to target the sources of terrorism finance, as we put it during the Riyadh-hosted Anti-terrorism conference which means that we ought to fight money laundering, smuggling, and drug trafficking. Q: What outcome do you expect from your visit to France? A: First of all, I am visiting France because I missed my friends: the French people and their President Jacques Chirac, a dear and sincere dear of mine. In fact, Chirac is a rare man in this time, or this is how I see him. He is a man distinguished by his noble manners, sincerity, friendship, humanity, frankness, and warmth. Q: What else, are you going to touch on the issues of Lebanon and Iraq? A: Lebanon, Syria and Iraq concern all people interested in liberty-and-humanity. Lebanon could never do without Syria and vice versa. Any differences between the two can be solved; but assassinations are contrary to ethics and humanity. Q: Do you mean the assassination of previous Prime Minister Rafiq Al Hariri? A: Rafiq Al Hariri and others. The assassination of Rafiq Al Hariri has no doubt been a catastrophe. What was his crime? I knew Rafiq Al Hariri very well, and knew that he had held respect for Syria and the Syrians, and at the same time observed the interests of his country. I never heard him disparage Syria. Q: It was reported that you have pressed the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad to withdraw his troops from Lebanon when came to visit you recently. A: He was convinced of that before arriving in the Kingdom. Q: Do you think that the UN Security Council's resolution to set up an international committee to investigate the crime of assassinating Rafiq Al Hariri is a good measure? A: Certainly, because all kinds of accusations have leveled against Syria, Israel, and other Lebanese parties; and the investigation panel can expose the truth. Q: What do you think of the situation in Iraq? A: I wish the Iraqi people patience and success. This is all that can be said. Q: For Washington, the war on Iraq was the first step towards democracy in the Middle East. Do you share this view? A: I do not see any benefit from war; and peace cannot be achieved through war. Q: You have launched the Arab Peace Initiative, which was adopted by the Arab summit in March 2002; do you believe that the chances of success for this initiative will be better in the post-Arafat era? A: Yasser Arafat was the first to accept this initiative, which also received the acceptance of the Israeli people. It was Israel, or rather a minority in Israel, that have to be held responsible for the lack of progress. Q: What changes have the incidents of 11 of September brought to your relations with the U.S.? A: What has changed is the position of the press; most of U.S. press represent a category you know well. Q: Then, everything is okay? A: There have been some differences, not with President George Bush whose positions have never changed, but with those around him. Yet, thanks to God Almighty, the two parties have realized the matter, and today our relations are good. Q: Do you think Europe has an other role to play in the Middle East different from that of U.S's.? A: The Europeans, be those the French or the British or the others, have arrived in the region before the Americans. But they have kept away from it; Europe has to play a role in the region. In Paris Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received a telephone call from King Abdullah II of Jordan. They reviewed a number of regional and international issues in addition to bilateral relations. |
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