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April 22, 2005 |
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PRINCE ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ: THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN FRANCE AND SAUDI ARABIA AND NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEBANON AND SYRIA. THE JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ STRESSES ON UNVEILING THE TRUTH BEHIND KILLING OF AL-HARIRI, RESUMPTION OF THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS, STABILITY AND UNITY OF IRAQ AND COMBATING TERRORISM. PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL: NO TRADE AGREEMENTS SIGNED DURING THE VISIT. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard held a second round of talks with French President Jacques Chirac and said Riyadh and Paris held identical views on major issues. "There are absolutely no disagreements between France and Saudi Arabia on any matters," the Crown Prince told journalists after an hour-long meeting with Chirac at Elysee Palace. Asked about the political future of Lebanon, he said: "Lebanon is a country that is very dear to us. Lebanon and Syria are brotherly countries, and there will not be any differences between them." Asked whether there was any plan to hold a conference to harmonize the Taif Accord with UN Security Council Resolution 1559, Prince Abdullah said: "Reconciliation is possible and that's what we want." For his part, the French President Jacques Chirac described his working lunch with Prince Abdullah as "perfect, as always, given the traditional, long-standing and very strong friendship between Saudi Arabia and France". Before they sat down for lunch at the Elysee Palace, Chirac and the Crown Prince toured the Islamic arts section of the Louvre Museum. Prince Abdullah presented two gifts to the museum a model of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and another of the door of the Holy Kaaba. Prince Abdullah met Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin at the Matignon offices and discussed major international issues and ways of strengthening bilateral relations. President Chirac praised Saudi Arabia's "ambitious" reform program and promised France would be "at the side of the Saudis" in the fight against terrorism. "Under your impetus, the Kingdom has undertaken an ambitious program of transformation to which I would like to pay homage," he said. Chirac also assured Saudi Arabia, which suffered a series of terrorist attacks blamed on Al-Qaeda militants, that France "will continue to be at the side of the Saudis." "Together, in the framework of the United Nations and the treaties binding us, we are determined to do everything to defeat this scourge that nothing ever can justify," the French president, added. Chirac went to Orly airport south of Paris to greet the Crown Prince, which underscored the strong relations between two leaders. "Whenever I visit France, we feel that we are visiting part of a great living history, the history of civilizations, history of sciences and arts, history of thoughts and philosophy and history of freedom," Prince Abdullah said. Addressing a grand reception at Elysee Palace, the Crown Prince also described France as a symbol of moderation and tolerance. "We are proud of our strong relations, which are not limited to a single field but encompasses cultural, investment, economic and defense areas," he said. Prince Abdullah also noted "a high degree" of cooperation and consultation between the two countries in order to safeguard their common interests. The Crown Prince called upon Chirac to support all efforts for strengthening Saudi-French ties in order to "make our friendship a model" for relations between countries and peoples. French President Jacques Chirac had received Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and the accompanying delegation. The held bilateral talks in which 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, President Chirac expressed happiness for the visit of Crown Prince Abdullah to France, and highlighted the existing friendly relation between the Kingdom 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. 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. Chirac 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 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 the peace initiate of Crown Prince Abdullah, approved by the Arab Summit in Beirut in 2002, Chirac said the initiate constitutes a basic framework for the settlement of the dispute. 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. 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. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received in Paris a telephone call from King Abdullah II of Jordan. They reviewed a number of regional and international issues in addition to bilateral relations. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received at his guest residence in Paris President Jacques Chirac of France. Then President Chirac escorted the Crown Prince on a visit to the Louvres, including the Islamic division in the museum where he was briefed on its contents. During the visit, Crown Prince Abdullah presented two gifts including a replica of the Makkah-based Grand Mosque and a replica of the gate of the Kaaba to the Chief of the Museum while he received a memorial gift from him. Crown Prince Abdullah was also escorted by his official delegation. Then President Chirac guided the Crown Prince to the Elysee palace. He gave a working lunch party in honor of the crown prince during which they continued the discussions. Answering questions from the press following the meeting, Crown Prince Abdullah confirmed that there is no difference between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France in any field, noting that they have discussed a wide-range of issues. In response to a question, he said both Lebanon and Syria are friends and that "we don't differentiate between them". Asked whether there are endeavours to hold reconciliation conference to draw a common line between Taif conference and the UN Security Council's resolution No. 1559, the Crown Prince said "Conciliation is possible and this is what we want". On his part, President Chirac described his meeting with the crown prince as excellent due to the friendship and strong confidence between France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard held a meeting with the French Premier Jean-Pierre Raffarin . They reviewed the developments of the situation on the international arena, notably the developments in the Middle East, as well as bilateral relations. Later the French Premier held a dinner party in honor of Crown Prince Abdullah. The dinner party was attended by the Crown Prince's accompanying delegation and a number of senior French officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, has donated one million Euro to the Paris-based Arab World Institution. Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Ibn Ameen Madani, who is accompanying the Crown Prince, said in a statement that the gift from Crown Prince Abdullah to the Arab World Institution comes to confirm the important role the institution was playing in strengthening the ties between the Arab-Islamic and western cultures. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received at his guest residence in Paris Mokhtar Talib, General Director of the Paris-based Arab World Institute, and a number of the institution's officials. At the outset of the meeting, Mokhtar Talib offers his thanks to and appreciations of Crown Prince Abdullah for his one million Euro donation to the institute, confirming that this comes within the Crown Prince's support for all Arab issues and culture all over the world. On his part, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, hailed the great role the institution was playing in promoting Arab culture in the west in general and in France in particular. The reception was attended by the Crown Prince's official accompanying delegation. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received at his guest residence in Paris Koshiro Matsura, General Director of the Paris-based UNESCO. At the outset of the meeting, Matsura offered his thanks to and appreciations of Crown Prince Abdullah and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the continuous support rendered to the UNESCO. Matsura also briefed the Crown Prince on the UNESCO's projects and lauded the progress enjoyed by the Kingdom in all fields, particularly in the field of education. On his part, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, hailed the great role the UNESCO is playing in promoting world culture, noting the Kingdom's keenness to continue cooperation with the international educational, scientific and cultural organization. The reception was attended by the Crown Prince's official accompanying delegation. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received at his guest residence Arab diplomatic corps accredited to France and former Lebanese Foreign Minister Fares Bouez. At the outset of the meeting, the Dean of the Arab diplomatic corps accredited to France Jaaffer bin Salim Al'eed, the Ambassador of Oman to France, thanked Crown Prince Abdullah for receiving them and expressed happiness of meeting him. The ambassador lauded the prestigious profile of the crown prince at the Arab and international levels, hailing the policy of the Kingdom that represents the safety valve amid numerous challenges facing the Arab nation. He said the Saudi role is needed at all times. On his part, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, thanked the envoys who are present in the meeting, and expressed delight to meet with them. He told the ambassadors that his visit to France, which he called an Arab nation friend, is to meet and discuss important issues with its President Jacques Chirac. He described the visit as successful and said it comes to the benefit of the Arab region, including Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. He said he hopes that the language of reason would now prevail once again, noting that Syrian troops are completing their withdrawal from Lebanon and that the remaining troops will be out within a week. What is important is the Arab unity. Any difference will be solved for the sake of Arab unity, he said. Answering a question from an ambassador who questioned why they were suffocating Syria as they did to Arafat, Crown Prince Abdullah wished Arafat forgiveness as he was known of defending the cause of his people and homeland. As for Syria, it is the first time I hear that Syria was suffocated. On the contrary, I heard something else, he said, adding that Palestine will remain the cause of the Arab and Islamic nations who could not abandon it. He noted that killing, demolition of homes, and other crimes could not be forgotten. He called for sticking to Islamic faith, which should be the last resort that would crystallize the exit of the crisis. He said Muslims and Christians are brothers in the Arab world and that since right and justice are on the side of Arab nation, they will definitely win. Asked about the talks he held with President Chirac on Iraq, Crown Prince Abdullah said the Iraqis are not at odds. Let us wish them every success, and bless any step towards cooling down tensions and shedding blood. Disparaging a call for a Greater Middle East and reforms, Crown Prime Abdullah said this notion does not attract our interest as real reforms to us emanate from our nations and will never be imposed by another country. Every country should apply its own reforms and correct its own mistakes, he said. All Arab countries are following the way of reforms and will never accept reforms coming from outside, he added. He expressed belief that U.S. President George Bush understanding towards the Arab nation has improved, noting that the Arab nation possesses sincerity and right. He called for more tightening of Arab-Arab relations. He said Syria and Lebanon are in dire need for each other. What I heard in this concern from Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, is a real source of pleasure as is coming out of a real belief and faith of the common fate of Syria and Lebanon, Crown Prince Abdullah concluded his remarks. The reception was attended by the Crown Prince's official accompanying delegation. Saudi Arabia and France welcomed Syrian commitment to withdraw its troops from Lebanon as Crown Prince Abdullah disclosed that the remaining Syrian forces would leave the country within a week. "The withdrawal of Syrian forces is definite and the remaining troops will leave within a week," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as telling Arab ambassadors in Paris before leaving for Morocco. In a joint communiqué issued at the end of Prince Abdullah's three-day official visit to France, the two countries also offered their full support to restart the Middle East peace process. They commended the Algiers summit for emphasizing its commitment to the Arab peace initiative, originally proposed by the Crown Prince. Prince Abdullah rejected foreign pressure to introduce reforms in Arab countries. "The real reforms come from within the country, not from outside. Every Arab country is treading the reform path. But imposing reform from outside will not be acceptable," he told the ambassadors. Prince Abdullah held two rounds of talks with President Jacques Chirac on issues of mutual concern and ways of strengthening bilateral ties. He also met with Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin to discuss major global issues. "With regard to the situation in Lebanon, the two countries have been informed of Syrian commitment on withdrawal in compliance with Security Council Resolution 1559," the communiqué said. Saudi Arabia and France support Lebanon's independence as well as its security and stability. "We are looking forward to the formation of a Lebanese government in the near future and holding of free and democratic elections within the specified time," it added. The two countries expressed their support to the Security Council decision to form an international panel to investigate the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and asked the Lebanese authorities to cooperate with the panel to bring out the truth and punish the guilty. Riyadh and Paris called for the resumption of Middle East peace talks on the basis of UN resolutions and the peace road map that aims to solve the issue by setting up two independent states living side by side in peace and security. The communiqué emphasized the two countries' commitment to the security and stability of Iraq and the need to protect its unity and independence. They called for the participation of all Iraqi groups in the political process. They called for bolstering international cooperation to combat terrorism and its financiers. "They intend to deepen their cooperation in this area within the framework of the United Nations," the communiqué said. France commended Saudi Arabia's moderate oil policy that aims to achieve world market stability and promote world economic growth. "The two sides agreed to strengthen their economic, investment and cultural cooperation within the framework of their strategic relations," the statement said. The following is the text of the joint communiqué: "At an invitation by President Jacques Chirac of France, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, made a state visit to the Republic of France from April 13 -15, 2005. During the visit, the two parties held in-depth talks which dealt with issues of mutual interest and ways of enhancing bilateral relations. With regard to the situation in Lebanon, the two countries have been informed of the Syrian commitment to withdraw, in compliance with the Security Council's resolution No. 1559. The two countries support Lebanon's independence, security and stability as they look forward to the formation of a Lebanese government in the nearest possible date and the holding of a free and democratic elections within the fixed period. The two countries attach great concern to the Security Council's resolution to set up an international investigation committee to probe the truth of the assassination of Lebanon's Prime Minister Rafiq Al Hariri and they demand of the Lebanese authorities to cooperate, in accordance with the resolution, with this panel for the sake of revealing the truth and punishing whoever found involved in this terrorist crime. The two countries reiterate their support for the efforts exerted to resume the peace process in the Middle East according to the resolutions of the world legitimacy and the Road Map aiming at a solution based on two independent states that co-exit securely and peacefully side by side. The two sides also welcome the confirmation issued by Algeria Arab summit that the Arab countries are committed to the peace initiative proposed by Crown Prince Abdullah and adopted by the Beirut Arab summit. The two countries confirm their commitment to Iraq's security and stability and the maintenance of its integrity and independence and call on all factions of the Iraqi people to participate in the political process. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France also underscore the importance of activating the international cooperation in combating terrorism and its financers and vow to deepen their cooperation in this regard within the framework of the United Nations. France expressed appreciation for the moderate oil policy followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aiming at the stability of oil market and encouraging the world economy growth. The two countries agreed to strengthen their economic, investment and cultural ties within the strategic relation between the two countries. The Kingdom has also expressed appreciation for France's position in favor of the Kingdom's accession to the World Trade Organization and the signing of a free-duty trade zone agreement between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council member states." Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, thanked Paris for its support to Riyadh's accession to the World Trade Organization and free trade agreement between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Prince Abdullah was all praise for President Chirac for his understanding and sympathetic stand with regard to Arab and Islamic countries. He described his talks with Chirac as successful and said that they would serve Arab interests. He stressed the need to strengthen Arab unity, which he felt would resolve all disputes. He denounced Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people. He said he saw improvement in US President George W. Bush's attitude toward Arab countries. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, left Paris concluding a three-day state visit to France. Before leaving, Crown Prince Abdullah received at his guest residence in Paris President Jacques Chirac. Then President Chirac escorted the Crown Prince to Orly International Airport. At the VIP lounge of the airport, the Crown Prince was seen off by Prince Abdullah Ibn Faisal Ibn Turki Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Governor of Al Qassim Region; Prince Mansour Ibn Thinayan Ibn Mohammed Al Saud; Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Faisal Ibn Turki; Saudi Ambassador to France Dr. Mohammed Ibn Ismael Al Al Sheikh; ministers and senior French officials. Seeing his guest off at the foot of the plane, President Jacques Chirac of France shook hands with Crown Prince Abdullah, wishing him and his accompanying delegation happy travel. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, arrived in Casablanca for a visit to the Kingdom of Morocco. He was received at Mohammed V International airport by Prime Minister Idris Jatto, Mohammed Al-Dhareef, the Governor of Casablanca, senior Moroccan officials, Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Dr. Mohammed Albishr and staff members of the Saudi embassy. Crown Prince Abdullah was accompanied by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Abdul-Ilah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Turki Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Advisor at the Crown Prince's Court; Prince Mansour Ibn Nassir Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Dr. Bander Ibn Salman Ibn Mohammed Al Saud, Advisor at the Crown Prince's Court; Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Advisor to the Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Mishaal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Foreign Minister's Office; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and Chief of the Court of the Cabinet's Presidency; Prince Mansour Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Majed Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz; Dr. Ghazi Ibn Abdul Rahman Al Gosaibi, the Minister of Labor; Dr. Ibrahim Alassaf, the Minister of Finance; Iyad Ibn Ameen Madani, the Minister of Culture and Information; and senior protocol officials. On the other hand Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia did not sign any deals with France to buy advanced military aircraft during Crown Prince Abdullah's recent visit to Paris. Highlighting the significance of the recently concluded visit of Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, to France, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, said "the importance of the visit surpasses mere concluding of commercial deals." In a statement published in the Paris-based 'Le Figaro' newspaper, Prince Saud said Crown Prince Abdullah and French President Jacques Chirac had reiterated their keenness for safeguarding the interests of their citizens through implementing projects in various domains and boosting trade exchange as well as establishing joint companies. The Crown Prince and French President Jacques Chirac have agreed to establish joint projects and companies and promote trade exchange. Asked about the reports pertaining to purchase of planes and building trains, Prince Saud said such projects were not discussed at the bilateral meetings. 'Even if we are planning to conclude such deals, no agreements were signed in this respect during the visit of Crown Prince Abdullah to France'. Prince Saud emphasized Saudi-French military cooperation as well as the capabilities of France in the railways sector. "Nothing can prevent French companies from entering into profitable deals in these areas," he added. On the Lebanese crisis, Prince Saud said Syria will fully withdraw from Lebanon within the next few days, adding that it has unconditionally accepted the implementation of the resolution 1559, adopted by the UN's Security Council. "It is high time for the Lebanese to unify their ranks, form a transitional government and hold elections for ensuring their country's stability," he elaborated. On the Arab peace initiative approved by the Arab Summit and rejected by Israeli and the US, Prince Saud said 'We cannot say that the US has rejected it because the peace initiative is included in the Road Map' and added 'but the rejection of the initiative by Israel is really a sad matter, not only because it is a good Saudi project, but because its is a project that is capable of ending blood-shedding and normalizing the situation'. 'Israel has turned down our project without thinking and caring about constant blood-shedding of Israelis and Arabs," Prince Saud said, affirming that the Israeli rejection of the peace initiative "is really sad and tragic' On the developments of the situation following the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to Washington, Prince Saud said "there are good and bad things in this context." 'The recognition of the right of Israel to preserve some of the settlements is a negative matter, but the positive thing is the call of President Bush for ending expansion of settlements'. Prince Saud made it clear that it will be impossible for the Israelis to impose themselves by force if they are keen on co-existence, adding that the Israelis must act in a manner that makes them acceptable by the region's countries as it has been included in the Arab peace plan. 'Israel has missed a historical opportunity by rejecting the Arab peace plan,' he added. Prince Saud said the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will be a step in the right direction if it is followed by other withdrawals and implementation of the Road-Map as well as return to Madrid conference. 'If Israel is not planning to implement all that, then its withdrawal from Gaza will lead to nothing, and no peace will be realized if Israel doesn't change its views on the matters and fails to offer peace to the Palestinian people and to end its occupation of their territories', Prince Saud elaborated On the situation in Iraq, he hoped that the factions which had not participated in the general elections would join the political process, noting failure to do that will have an adverse impact on the stability of Iraq. Asked if he shares King Abdullah of Jordan's views about the so-called menace of the Shiites Crescent in the Middle East, Prince Saud said 'King Abdullah has made it clear that his statement in this respect was misunderstood.' 'The most important thing is that the Iraqis , with their different factions, should work for the preservation of their country's unity and independence, and Iraq should never remain a target for any foreign threat', he said adding that Iraq is a country of a great civilization, and it deserves to be respected'. On the Iranian nuclear project, Prince Saud said "We have plainly told the Iranians that we are working for a Middle East and Gulf that are free from all weapons of mass-destruction, and Iran has confirmed that it believes in this policy." Prince Saud added that 'only the future will confirm if Iran is genuinely going in this direction." "Anyway, more weapons don't necessarily mean more security," he noted. Asked if the Islamic trend has won the municipal elections in Riyadh, Prince Saud said 'the municipal elections were a test, and each party has tried to interpret it in a manner that benefits it'. 'Anyway, we will benefit from this experience', he added. |
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