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February 10, 2006 |
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PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL AZIZ: THE PHENOMENON OF TERRORISM THREATENS PEOPLE'S LIVES AND IS A DANGER TO THE WORLD'S SECURITY. PRINCE NAIF SHEDS LIGHT ON THE TOUR OF THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES' OF A NUMBER OF ASIAN COUNTRIES. THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA RESPECTS FREEDOM OF OPINION, BUT WILL NEVER TOLERATES INSULTING THE PROPHET, PEACE BE UPON HIM. The Council of Arab Interior Ministers concluded its 23rd session in Tunisia. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Interior Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Honorary President of the council, led Saudi Arabia's delegation to the meeting. In a press release following the meeting, the Council approved the fifth Arab Security Plan, the third Arab Media Plan for security illumination and prevention of crime, the second phase of the Arab Strategy for Traffic Safety and a number of recommendations submitted by Arab Specialist conference held in 2005. The meeting also approved the recommendations of the joint conference of the Arab Interior and Justice ministers. Also approved was the special report on the performance of the Riyadh-based Prince Naif Arab University for Security Sciences for 2005. The ministers lauded the efforts exerted by Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz in his capacity as Chairman of the university's senate in support of its programs and activities. The ministers also passed the report on the performance of the Secretariat General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council. The Council urged the Arab interior ministries to support, each as it could, the police departments in each of Iraq, Lebanon and Somalia. Reading the final communiqué of the conference, Dr. Mohammed Ali Koman, the Secretary General of the council, said the council noted the aggravation of terrorists acts all over the world, sending a strong signal to peace-loving world community. The statement warned against the danger of some calls triggering terrorism in fake and misleading logic. The council underscored the importance of putting into force the Arab and international agreements to fight the phenomenon of international terrorism, warning from the negative impact of media irresponsible jokes and campaigns defaming religions and prophets. The council reiterated denunciation of violence, hatred and racism calls. The ministers also called for drawing a clear line differentiating between terrorism and national struggle for self-determination. They called for concerting efforts in the fields of politics, security, information, religion, thoughts and culture to confront all forms of terrorism. The ministers said they are determined to increase security cooperation through enhancing the exchange of visits, experiences and data and work for drying the financial sources of terrorism. They called for the issuance of a new law to close internet websites that dare to blaspheme prophets or insult religion and spread the culture of hatred among nations. In this regard, the communiqué called on the Government of Denmark to punish Danish media which published cartoons blasphemous to the Muslims' prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). The statement also called for approving an international and comprehensive vision to address the roots of terrorism, taking into consideration the economic, social, intellectual dimensions of the phenomenon. The ministers categorically rejected any relation between Islam and terrorism, noting that Islam is the religion of peace, tolerance and love. Under the patronage of President Zein El Abidine Bin Ali of Tunisia, the 23rd session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council had started in Tunis. Addressing the meeting, Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior and leader of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation to the conference, recalled that this council has reached, together with the Arab Justice Ministers Council, an agreement to combat terrorism at a joint meeting in Cairo in 1988. He said this meeting should follow-up the implementation of that agreement, probing the reasons why some parts were not executed. He cited a number of agreements, forming an Arab strategy to combat terrorism on the ground, in the media, universities and the society. We want to know what was done and what was not, and why, he told the meeting, wishing the conferees every success. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior and Honorary Chairman of Arab Interior Ministers Council called for holding an International General Conference to discuss terrorism, its causes and solutions to its eradication under the auspices of the United Nations Organization and it should be emanating from the International Anti-terrorism Conference hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last February . The Prince's call came during his meeting in Tunisia with UN Assistant Secretary General for Security and Safety Affairs David Finis. Prince Naif stressed the danger of terrorism, noting that terrorism has nothing to do with a certain religion, nationality or geographical area. On his part, Finis appreciated the Kingdom's great efforts and cooperation with UN organizations and bodies. On the other hand, Prince Naif described the offence against Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) as an offence against all Muslims, In a press statement on the fringes of the Council's meetings, he said that the Kingdom's stand has been clear with regard to this issue, calling on Arab and Muslim countries to adopt a strict position towards this offending matter. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, expressed happiness for meeting Tunisian president Zein El Abidine Bin Ali. In a press statement following his meeting with the president, he said he received from the president warm welcome and great care for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and felt deep interest in security issues. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the interior minister and honorary president of the council of the Arab interior ministers, received a number of editors-in-chief of Tunisian newspapers and media men. Replying questions raised by the press, Prince Naif shed light on the developments of the situation at the Arab and international arenas and on the current tour of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz of a number of Asian countries. On the victory attained by Hamas movement in the Palestinian legislative elections, Prince Naif said such a development should be expected. He urged the Palestinian factions to close their ranks and to reach an agreement. 'Wisdom and sense should overcome, and we hope that our Palestinian brethren will not commit any act that may offend the entire Arabs', he said. On the Iranian nuclear program, Prince Naif said 'the Iranians have been saying that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and we hope that will be true'. 'Our region is not in need of such things, and the concerned authorities should get assured of that'. Prince Naif pointed out to Israel's acquisition of nuclear weapons, and said Israel's acquisition of nuclear weapons will be a justification for any other country to obtain the same weapons. On reports which said that pressure was put on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following its reaction towards the quarters that had insulted Prophet Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, Prince Naif said 'no party can put pressure on the Kingdom to change its stand on such a basic matter'. 'We do respect freedom of opinion, but we never tolerate insulting the Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him' he said and added 'not only the Kingdom rejects that, but also about 1400 million Muslims as well as all religions reject that because all Prophets should be respected'. 'If freedom of opinion means insulting Prophets, then that will never be accepted', he said adding that 'it will never be reasonable for the international press or any organization or state to oppose an action that may be taken by any Arab or Muslim country in this respect'. 'We hope that the religious institutions such as the Vatican will clarify their opinion in this respect', he noted. On the phenomenon of Arab youngsters who go to Iraq for fighting, Prince Naif said 'we have been following such youngsters, and we hope that the Iraqi authorities will extradite any Saudi who arrives in Iraq for that purpose'. He added that such youngsters do not only insult themselves, but they also insult their families'. Prince Naif expressed grief and sorrow over the death of some pilgrims during the Hajj season of this year, and hoped that the pilgrims would be enlightened about the Hajj rituals before their arrival to the Holy Places. He reiterated the keenness of the Kingdom on taking all measures and arrangements that might ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Meanwhile, Prince Naif confirmed the capability of the Saudi security authorities on confronting the menace of terrorism, and said 'we cannot say that the Kingdom has become free from members of the deviant groups as long as there are quarters that train and finance them, and provide them with wrong ideas which run counter to the teachings of Islam, but we are determined to firmly and decisively confront them'. 'Thanks to Almighty Allah, the Saudi security authorities have successfully foiled about 90 percent of plots hatched against the country', he said reiterating the keenness of the Kingdom on cooperating with other countries of the world in fighting terrorism. He pointed out that the Arab interior ministers have called for an international accord at the level of the UN and for a positive cooperation for combating terrorism. Underlining the importance of drying the sources that finance terrorism, Prince Naif said the criminal acts which were perpetrated in the Kingdom had never led to the destabilization of the country. 'Life was going normally, and never felt that there was a need for announcing martial law', he said. On the tour of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz of a number of Asian countries, Prince Naif said the tour aims at enhancing relations of the Kingdom with these Asian countries. 'These visits have proved to be successful, and have opened new horizons of cooperation in so many domains, notably in the economic and investment domains', he said. Underlining the significance of these visits, Prince Naif said they would positively contribute to the service of the interests of the Kingdom as well as the interests of the other Arab countries. Meanwhile, Prince Naif urged the media to play an effective role as regards the protection of the youth from the destructive ideas as well as confronting the vicious campaigns being launched against Islam. 'The media men should shoulder their responsibility in this respect', he added. Prince Naif warned against the phenomenon of excessive recruitment of foreign manpower in the GCC member states, and said 'it is feared that the number of these expatriates may exceed the number of the citizens'. While in Tunis Interior Minister Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the minister of interior and the Honorary President of the council of the Arab Interior Ministers, received Yemeni Interior Minister Rashid Mohammad Al-Alami and the accompanying delegation. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by a number of princes and Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Ibrahim Al-Brahim. Interior Minister Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, received the Qatari Minister of Interior Abdullah Ibn Nasser Ibn Khalifa Al-Thani and the accompanying delegation. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by a number of princes, Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Ibrahim Al-Brahim, and President of Riyadh-based Naif Arab University for Security Sciences Abdul Aziz Al-Ghamidi. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, received the Bahraini Minister of Interior Rashid Ibn Abdullah Ibn Ahmad Al-Khalifa. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by a number of princes, Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Ibrahim Al-Brahim, and President of Riyadh-based Naif Arab University for Security Sciences Abdulaziz Al-Ghamdi. On the other hand Tunisian President Zein El Abidine Bin Ali received here today Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Honorary President of the council of the Arab Interior Ministers. During the meeting, cordial talks were exchanged. The audience was attended by a number of princes and officials. Interior Minister Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, , received the Iraqi Minister of Interior Bager Solagh Jabr Al-Zobaidi. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Prince Naif's accompanying delegation and Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Ibrahim Al-Saad Al-Brahim. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, also received the Sudanese Minister of Interior Al Zubeir Bashir Taha. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by the accompanying delegation and Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Ibrahim Al-Brahim. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Honorary President of the Council of the Arab Interior Ministers, attended the lunch party held by the Tunisian minister of Interior Rafiq Belhaj in honor of Prince Naif and the delegations participating in the meetings of the 23d session of the Council of the Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis. The party was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Fahd Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Naif's accompanying delegation, and Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Ibrahim Al-Saad Al-Brahim as well as the Arab Ambassadors accredited to Tunisia. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, received his Egyptian counterpart Habib al-Adli and the accompanying delegation. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, ended his 3-day visit to Tunisia, where he led the Saudi delegation to the 23rd session of the council of the Arab interior ministers. He was seen off by his Tunisian counterpart Rafiq Belhaj Kassem and a number of officials. Prince Naif was accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including undersecretary of the interior ministry Dr Ahmad Al-Salim. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, arrived in Kuwait. He was accompanied by a number of princes. At Kuwait International Airport, he was received by his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al sabah and other officials. Immediately after arrival, Prince Naif headed for Bayan Palace where he was received by Sheikh Sabah Al ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, and senior officials. Prince Naif condoled the Emir on the demise of Sheikh Jabir Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Prince Naif congratulated the Emir on assumption of power. Later, Prince Naif left Kuwait and was seen off by senior officials. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain received at Al Safiriyah palace in Manama Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who extended his condolences to him on the sad demise of his son Sheikh Faisal Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, appealing to Almighty Allah to bestow mercy upon his soul. Prince Naif was accompanied by Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Naif and his sons: Prince Nawaf and Prince Fahd. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister; Sheikh Ali Bin Khalifa, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport; Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Dr. Abdullah Al Guwaiz, members of Al Khalifa family and a number of officials. Later, Prince Naif left Manama. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived in Dubai to extend his condolences to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Governor of Dubai, on the sad demise of his brother Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prince Naif was accompanied by Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Naif and his sons: Prince Nawaf and Prince Fahd. He was received at the airport by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chief of Civil Aviation; Saudi Ambassador to the UAE Dr. Abdullah Bin Muammar, and a number of officials. Upon arrival at Zu'abel palace, he was received by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Charity for Youth Projects, and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the sons of the deceased. He offered condolences to them, appealing to Almighty Allah to bestow mercy upon the soul of the deceased. Later, Prince Naif left Dubai international airport. He was seen off by a number of Sheikhs and officials and the Saudi Ambassador to UAE. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior, arrived in Riyadh after having led the Saudi delegation to the 23rd session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council in Tunis. He was received at Riyadh air base by a number of princes, senior officials and a group of people. He was accompanied by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud Ibn Naif; Prince Nawaf Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Fahd Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz and Prince Naif's official delegation. |
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