April 14, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES PATRONIZES THE OPENING OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE FOR THE GIFTED. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN DONATES £ ONE MILLION TO ESTABLISH A BRITISH ISLAMIC CENTER IN MANCHESTER. A REPORT ON SAUDI AID TO IRAQ. PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL CONFIRMS THE KEENNESS OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA ON REACHING CONSENSUS AMONG ARAB AND MUSLIMS. PRINCE BANDAR IBN SULTAN: THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES' VISIT TO RUSSIA HAS BOOSTED BILATERAL RELATIONS. NO SAUDI PLANS TO BUILD A WALL ON THE BORDERS WITH IRAQ. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will patronize next Shabaan 1427 August 2006 in Jeddah the opening ceremony of the world conference for the gifted organised by King Abdul Aziz and his Men Foundation For The Care Of The Gifted. This was announced by the Minister of Education Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Council of King Abdul Aziz and his Men Foundation For The Care Of The Gifted Dr Abdullah Ibn Saleh Al Obaid, who said the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques approval to patronize the event emanates from his care about the gifted and the talented. He went on to say that the care accorded by the state to the talented is part of the large policy of the country which focuses on education and scientific research as a major part of the progress and development of the society. On the other hand Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister , Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General has donated 1 million sterling pounds for purchasing a historical building in Manchester city to be transformed into the largest Islamic Center in the United Kingdom. Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland Prince Mohammed Ibn Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz handed over a cheque with the Crown Prince's donation to Mohammed Afdhal Khan, Mayor of Manchester city, Member of Board of Trustees of British Center of Islamic Heritage and Supervisor of the Project. In a speech on this occasion, Prince Mohammed Ibn Nawaf said that the donation embodies the interest of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister , Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General in Muslim communities all over the world particularly in Britain. According to the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to set up the Saudi Committee for the Relief of the Iraqi people and under the supervision of Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior, the Committee is achieving its targets in helping the Iraqi people. The committee has helped in building and social organizations such as houses, schools medical centers, water purification as well as providing medical care to the people in Iraq and moving the wounded to Saudi hospitals. The report states the Kingdom has sent 12 humanitarian convoys including 367 trucks loaded with food stuff and medical supplies collected through the TV campaign and the Saudi Red Crescent. The committee has also distributed food baskets at a rate of 10.000 baskets per month. More than 200.000 family have benefited from these baskets. Water purification stations were set up in major cities and medical supplies are provided on a regular bases to the needy in Iraq. The Relief program in Iraq has implemented projects to the amount of SR 75 millions in response to the call of King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, God Bless his soul. Within this program, food, medical supplies, and school supplies were provided. In addition, funds were used to either build or repair homes, medical centers, and water and power networks. On the other hand Prince Saud Al-Faisal , the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on reaching consensus among Arab and Muslims about one address, unity of ranks, defense of their fair and legitimate causes, led by the Palestinian issue, spread of peace among the members of the world community, enhancement of mutual interests and building of bridges of friendship. This came in the periodical press briefing the Minister held today at the headquarters of the ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh. At the outset of the meeting with reporters, Prince Saud Al-Faisal highlighted the speech delivered by the custodian of the two holy mosques king Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz at the opening of the Shoura council's second year of its fourth session during which the monarch underscored the basic goals of the Kingdom 's foreign policy based on the keenness on reaching consensus among Arab and Muslims about one address, unity of ranks, defense of their fair and legitimate causes, led by the Palestinian issue, spread of peace among the members of the world community, enhancement of mutual interests and building of bridges of friendship amid a changeable world that made it impossible for any member to go isolated. Prince Saud said these goals crystallize the pivotal points of the Kingdom 's foreign movement in the Arab, Islamic and international arenas, buoyed by international privileges it has gained for its political stability, economic prosperity and security firmness. in this capacity, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister , Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, will hold a state visit to each of Japan, Singapore and Pakistan aiming at further enhancing strategic relations, expanding the aspects of bilateral cooperation in a number of fields between the Kingdom and each of these countries in addition to holding consultations and exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, Prince Saud told reporters. With pleasure, he lauded the outcome of the 18th Arab summit recently concluded in Khartoum and the positions and decisions dealing with the issues on the meeting's agenda. We hope this would contribute to promoting the levels of Arab joint action and activating of the mechanisms of the Arab system in a way that enables the undertaking of the historical responsibilities towards our peoples and countries and further consolidating the Arab ties to match with the international developments and to reach our national and Arab objectives, the Minister said. As regards, the Palestinian issue, we congratulate the Palestine people on forming their government, wishing the new administration every success in assuming its duties of preserving the Palestinian people's national unity, security, stability, prosperity and restoration of their legitimate rights according to the international legitimacy and principles, Prince Saud said. At the same time, we praise the resolution of Khartoum summit in this regard which reiterated the Arab countries' adherence to peace as a strategic alternative and confirmed the commitment to the Arab peace initiative to tackle the Arab Israeli conflict on bases that guarantee fair and comprehensive peace in the region, including the set up an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital, Prince Saud said. On the Iraqi situation, he said we are gearing forward to see the current endeavours to form the long-awaited Iraqi government turning successful, particularly that the Iraqi people has concluded their duties through positive participation in elections. On the other hand, Iraqi officials are obliged to take responsibilities towards achieving the aspirations of their people in forming a stable government, stopping the spiralling violence and subversion and achieving the dreams of the Iraqi people in security and stability within their national integrity, sovereignty, independence and regional safety, the Saudi Minister said. On the Lebanese front, Prince Saud said we are closely following the developments of the national dialogue among Lebanese people segments and sects, hoping that this dialogue reaches its goals of stability of the political and security situations and that the two neighbouring countries of Lebanon and Syria reach building their relations on bases of friendship, fraternity and respect within balanced independence and interactions. As regards, the Palestinian issue, we congratulate the Palestinian people on forming their government, wishing the new administration every success in assuming its duties of preserving the Palestinian people's national unity, security, stability, prosperity and restoration of their legitimate rights according to the international legitimacy and principles, Prince Saud said. At the same time, we praise the resolution of Khartoum summit in this regard which reiterated the Arab countries' adherence to peace as a strategic alternative and confirmed the commitment to the Arab peace initiative to tackle the Arab Israeli conflict on bases that guarantee fair and comprehensive peace in the region, including the set up an independent Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital, Prince Saud said. On the Iraqi situation, he said we are gearing forward to see the current endeavours to form the long-awaited Iraqi government turning successful, particularly that the Iraqi people has concluded their duties through positive participation in elections. on the other hand, Iraqi officials are obliged to take responsibilities towards achieving the aspirations of their people in forming a stable government, stopping the spiralling violence and subversion and achieving the dreams of the Iraqi people in security and stability within their national integrity, sovereignty, independence and regional safety, the Saudi Minister said. On the Lebanese front, Prince Saud said we are closely following the developments of the national dialogue among Lebanese people segments and sects, hoping that this dialogue reaches its goals of stability of the political and security situations and that the two neighbouring countries of Lebanon and Syria reach building their relations on bases of friendship, fraternity and respect within balanced independence and interactions. In response to a question on the significance of the state visits recently concluded by King Abdullah to India and Pakistan and the forthcoming state visits of crown prince sultan to Japan and Singapore, the Foreign Minister said, in view of the dramatic developments witnessed by south and far Asian countries over the last decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 's ties with them have expanded, necessitating high-level contacts to further consolidate these relations to the benefits of our people. This is not targeting any third party or harming anybody, it is only that we want to catch time and do what we should have done long ago: to tighten our relations with more than half population of the world. from now on, visits will continue and ties will grow further, he confirmed. On his meeting with Syria's Vice-President and Lebanese Prime Minister on the sidelines of Khartoum summit, Prince Saud confirmed that, based on the keenness of the Kingdom on the stability of the two friendly countries, the focus of discussions with each of them was what should be done to tackle emerging problems between the two Arab neighbours. However, the ball remains in the court of the two, Prince Saud said, adding that the custodian of the two holy mosques could confirm that he has sincere will and intent and that the Kingdom is ready to do whatsoever requested within its capability. On rumors on the transfer the next Arab summit from Saudi Arabia to the Arab league's host country, Prince Saud said there is consensus that, if not deemed necessary, the ordinary Arab summit meetings will be held in the host country. We are no longer following the rotating system of holding the meeting and we want the summit to focus on its duties rather that who will host it, he said, adding that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also supports a proposal to permanently transfer the Arab league headquarters from the crowded capital of Egypt, Cairo, to Sharm Al Shaikh. In response to a question, he said we don't want to disturb the residents of Cairo. Commenting on a question concerning women's work in the diplomatic field, he said women performed well and their male colleagues are facing a great challenge. On Yemen, he said, 'we strongly support rehabilitation of Yemen's economy to match the economy in the GCC countries. During a joint meeting with Yemen's Foreign Minister, we agreed on how to proceed forward on this path. We are proceeding with firm, thoughtful steps leading to the desired goals, he said. On the Saudi captive in Israel, he said this issue is being discussed with all international institutions including the United Nations, the red cross, and the red crescent, and all possible efforts are being exerted on this matter. On the Saudi stand on Iran and the issue of nuclear proliferation, he said, 'we see no danger in Iran's acquisition of nuclear power know-how if this doesn't lead to proliferation. We certainly believe that proliferation is a threat.' he called for ending possession of nuclear arms by countries in the Middle East such as Israel. On Iraq, he called for non-interference in Iraqi domestic affairs by foreign countries including Iraq's Neighboring countries. He stated that the Arab league is preparing for a meeting that will be held in the Arab league for Iraq's Arab neighbouring countries. On the issue of the World Trade Organization, he highlighted Saudi efforts to comply with Saudi membership in the WTO. On the issue of dispensing with Middle Eastern oil, he said, 'we cannot force anybody to buy our oil. so, whoever wants to buy our oil, we are willing to sell.' On whether a dialogue between the US and Iran on Iraq sparks fears of others interfering in the Iraqi affairs, Prince Saud said this is an Iraqi affair itself. We should not comment before we hear from the Iraqi s on this matter, he said. Dashing out rumours that some secret deals were reached between the Kingdom and a number of Asian countries, particularly China and Pakistan during the King's last tour, Prince Saud said no secret deals but announced agreements on ways of further bolstering ties between us and our friends. Everything was as transparent as should be, he said. He said consultations are under way to release a new group of Guantanamo detainees, hopefully soon, he said. On the objectives of media reports on a secret Saudi Pakistani cooperation to produce nuclear weapons, Prince Saud reiterated the Kingdom's denial of such reports, stating that the Kingdom is a pioneer of the policy calling for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destructons. "An invitation has arrived and I am planning to pay a visit to Saudi Arabia in May," said Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister at a meeting with Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Saudi National Security Council Secretary in Moscow. "What interests us most is cooperation with your country in regional issues, an area which faces an ever-growing number of problems. We believe that Russia and Saudi Arabia have similar positions on these matters and are doing their best to avoid steps that could destabilize the situation or heighten tensions," the Minister said. Lavrov applauded the two countries' dialogue and contacts, which have been on the rise since the Saudi king's visit to Russia three years ago. "Our leaders hold regular telephone conversations and exchange messages on bilateral and crucial international issues," he said. A number of joint projects hold promise, Lavrov said. "We have a successful record of cooperation in space exploration and transport," he said. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz attaches great importance to relations with Russia, Prince Bandar said. His visit to Russia when he was Crown Prince has boosted relations between the two countries the Prince added. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao met with Saudi Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Secretary-General of Saudi Arabia 's National Security Council. Wen and Prince Bandar exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern during their meeting, according to a press release by China's Foreign Ministry. Prince Bandar had arrived in Beijing for a goodwill visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. Besides Beijing, Prince Bandar also travelled to China's eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Sun Bigan, China's new special envoy for Middle East Affairs said President Hu Jintao was keen to solidify growing ties with Saudi Arabia as soon as possible. The Chinese and Saudis have a convergence in long term strategic interests. China wants to bump up solid supplies of Saudi oil by establishing refineries and strategic reserves in key coastal provinces. Last year Saudi Arabia accounted for approximately 17 percent of China's oil imports; about 440,000 barrels per day. Sun's comment on bolstering ties this week happened during the visit of Saudi Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Secretary General of the Kingdom 's National Security Council. Prince Bandar met with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing the first stop on his China trip. Both Chinese officials stressed intensifying contacts to enhance the bilateral relationship. Li said "the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of relations with Saudi Arabia and is ready to make joint efforts to further strengthen exchanges at all levels and promote political mutual trust. "China will continue to develop economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, expand cultural exchanges and consolidate friendship between the two peoples, in a bid to raise bilateral relationship to a higher level." After high-level meetings in the Chinese capital, Prince Bandar continued on to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Shanghai is sandwiched between these two coastal provinces. Combined, the three places showcase China's brightest 21st century economic superpower nexus. The PRC is the second largest consumer of oil in the world behind the U.S. During a press conference announcing Sun was replacing Wang Shijie as the China's special envoy to the Middle East, he was asked to verify if his country's president would be visiting Saudi Arabia in April or May and if the two sides will sign any new energy agreements. Sun started by saying, "the King of Saudi Arabia invited President Hu to visit as soon as possible. I also believe that President Hu is ready and willing to visit Saudi Arabia as soon as possible." He declined to give specifics on any upcoming visit. "China and Saudi Arabia are enjoying very good and extensive energy cooperation; During the visit of King Abdullah to China the two sides signed relevant agreements," Sun added. In January the PRC was the first foreign country King Abdullah visited outside the Middle East after taking the throne in August 2005. It was also the first trip to China by a Saudi leader since the two countries established diplomatic ties in July 1990. During his visit as Crown Prince Abdullah in October 1998, China and Saudi Arabia released a joint communiqué in which the two sides "expressed the hope to raise their political and economic relations to the level of strategic cooperation," according to the 2004 edition of "China's Foreign Affairs" a book released by the foreign ministry's Department of Policy Planning. In January 2006 the Saudi King said: "What makes us happy is that since the two countries established diplomatic relations in (July) 1990 our two countries have had fruitful cooperation in many fields," adding, "we hope this cooperation will develop even more in the future." Sino-Saudi ties seem certain to grow closer in 2006 and the years beyond as China's new special envoy to the Middle East Sun remarked, "any visit paid by President Hu to Saudi Arabia will further enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, energy included." On another scale security sources in Riyadh have asserted to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the report carried by the London Times, which states that Saudi Arabia is contemplating building a fence along its border with Iraq, is baseless. The source also stressed that there is no need to build a security fence along the 900 km border with Iraq because the border areas are under control and pointed out that the idea was not raised and there is absolutely no intention of doing this. It considered the fence idea unacceptable and said what happens is a replacement of the wires on the common Saudi-Iraqi border that are equipped with thermal equipment to monitor the infiltrations and smugglings when they happen. The "Times" reported that Saudi Arabia has started to receive contractors' bids to build a security fence all along its border with Iraq and said the project would cost billions of dollars and is attracting the attention of many British security companies at present. It also said the fence would be part of a larger plan to bolster the country's defense along its 6,500 km borders and that Saudi Arabia wants to protect itself from an overspill of sectarian violence. It noted that Saudi Arabia is winning against "Al-Qaeda's" elements in its territories but is worried by the gunmen returning from Iraq. The paper also cited a European official in Riyadh as saying: "I think this is a waste of time and money. The gunmen are using other routes, like Syria." Asharq Al-Awsat said. Meantime Saudi Arabia's authorities detained a number of suspects in Onayza. A spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior said that the acts of detention were carried out during the past days. Also a number of wanted were arrested in Qassim during campaign in suspected areas. General Mansour Al Turki the official spokesman of the Ministry of the Interior said those detained were detained in hiding places in suspected areas and were handed over to the concerned authorities for investigations.