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July 7, 2006 |
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KING ABDULLAH IBN ABDUL AZIZ STRESSES TO THE IRAQI PRIME MINISTER THE KEENNESS OF SAUDI ARABIA TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF IRAQ AND ITS STABILITY. CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ DELIVERS A SPEECH IN WHICH HE STRESSES TO AL-MALIKI THE KINGDOM'S STAND BY IRAQ. AL-MALIKI TO THE CROWN PRINCE: WE CAME TO OFFER OUR THANKS AND GRATITUDE TO THE KINGDOM FOR ITS STANDS BY IRAQ. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt held talks in Jeddah. At the outset of the meeting, King Abdullah welcomed President Mubarak and accompanying delegation, wishing them good stay. Then they discussed the overall developments at the Arab, Islamic and International arenas, led by the developments of the Palestinian issue and the situation in Iraq and aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in a way that serves the interests of the two countries and peoples. The meeting was attended by the official delegations of the two parties. Later, King Abdullah held a luncheon party in honor of President Mubarak and accompanying delegation. President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt arrived in Jeddah on a visit to the Kingdom. At King Abdul Aziz international airport, he was received by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, other princes, ministers, senior officials and Egypt's ambassador to the Kingdom Mohammed Abdul Hameed Qasem. President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt left Jeddah after a brief state visit to the Kingdom. At King Abdul Aziz international airport, he was seen off by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, other princes, ministers, senior officials and Egypt's ambassador to the Kingdom Mohammed Abdul Hameed Qasem. President Hosni Mubarak returned home a flight visit to Saudi Arabia. Egypt and Saudi Arabia Monday stressed the importance of bringing the situation in the Palestinian territories back to normal, stop targeting the Palestinian infrastructures and intervention by the international community represented by the Quartet for resuming peace process. King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and President Mubarak discussed the accelerating developments in Palestinian territories following the emergence of the crisis of the abducted Israeli soldier. The two leaders condemned the Israeli attacks against Palestinian territories, the arrest of Palestinian ministers and parliamentarians and targeting by Israel of power stations, bridges and government facilities, asserting that these attacks would not solve the problem. The two leaders called for a prompt solution to deteriorating positions in Gaza, easing down pressures on Palestinian citizens and respect by Israel of the fourth Geneva Convention which provide for respecting human rights of the Palestinian people who are labouring under occupation. The two leaders stressed the importance of bringing the peace process back to track, applying the Arab peace initiative, Sharm El-Sheikh understandings and the United Nations resolutions. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Saudi Foreign Minister had met with Nabil Shaath, the envoy of the Palestinian President who briefed him on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories. Egypt's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamed Abdul Halim Qassim said that talks between President Mubarak and King Abdullah came within the framework of ongoing consultations between the two leaders on the latest developments in the Arab region. Talks touched on national reconciliation efforts in Iraq, bilateral relations in the light of keenness by the two leaders to satisfy the ambitions of people in both countries. President Mubarak had arrived at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah in where he was welcomed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz. On the other hand the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received at his palace in Jeddah the Iraqi Premier Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki and the accompanying delegation. The King and the Premier held a session of talks. At the outset of the talks, the Monarch welcomed the Iraqi Premier, wishing him and the delegation a good stay in the kingdom. The King emphasized the kingdom's keenness on Iraq's unity, territorial integrity and safety of its citizens to regain its normal position among Arab and Muslim countries. On his part, the premier expressed his thanks to and appreciation of the king for generous hospitality and a warm welcome accorded to them. He conveyed to the monarch the greetings of Iraq's government and people and briefed the king on the situations in Iraq and the efforts exerted to achieve the national reconciliation and to preserve the unity of Iraq and security of its citizens. He commended the kingdom's continuing keenness on Iraq's unity and the achievement of security and peace for its citizens. During the session, they discussed aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries and ways of their enhancement in all fields. on the Saudi side, the talks were attended by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of the National Security Council; Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Special Advisor to the King and Dr. Jubarah Ibn Eid Al-Suraisri, Minister of Transport and Acting Minister of Culture and Information. The talks were also attended by the delegation accompanying the Iraqi Premier. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General and Iraqi Premier Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki held a session of talks in Jeddah. At the outset of the session, the Crown Prince welcomed the Iraqi Premier and the accompanying delegation, wishing them a good stay in the kingdom, their second country. I stress the kingdom's sincerity and love for Iraq and its people, and full support for your state and constitutional government, the Crown Prince said and wished that the Iraqi government will achieve stability and security and put an end to the Iraqi people's concern. The Crown Prince added, ''the Kingdom is a brotherly country to Iraq. We are proud of an original Arab and deep friendship. We have not known that the Kingdom has done any act against Iraq and its dear people since Iraq's independence. This love will continue. I stress that the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz expressed his appreciation for Iraq's people, men and tribes and wished that Iraq achieves all its aspirations.'' On his part, the Iraqi Premier expressed his best thanks to the Crown Prince for the sincere feelings spelled out and expressed his appreciation of the king for his stands in support of Iraq and Arab issues. We came here to build our relations on the bonds of love, he said and thanked the kingdom for its stances in support of Iraq's unity, territorial integrity and stability. The talks dealt with the latest developments at the Arab and regional arenas particularly the efforts exerted for the return of security and stability to Iraq topped by the national reconciliation project. They also discussed aspects of cooperation between the two brotherly countries and ways of their enhancement in all fields. On the Saudi side, the talks were attended by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of the National Security Council; Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Ali Ibn Ibrahim Al-Naimi; Minister of Planning and Economy and Acting Minister of Communication and Information Technology Khalid Ibn Mohammed Al-Qusaibi; And Minister of Transport and Acting Minister of Water and Electricity Dr. Jubarah Ibn Eid Al-Suraisri. The talks were also attended by the delegation accompanying the Iraqi Premier. Iraqi Premier Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki and the accompanying delegation arrived on a visit to the kingdom. At King Abdul Aziz international airport, they were received by Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General; Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Khalid Ibn sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; Prince Sultan Ibn Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of Supreme Commission for Tourism; Prince Mishaal Ibn Majid Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Jeddah; Prince Mohammed Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs; a number of princes; Dr. Jubarah Ibn Eid Al-Suraisri, Minister of Transport; other ministers and officials. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General held a luncheon in honor of Iraqi Premier Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki and the accompanying delegation. The banquet was attended by Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior; Prince Bandar Ibn khalid Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; Prince Bandar Ibn sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Secretary General of National Security Council; a number of princes; ministers and officials. Iraqi Prime Minster Nuri Al-Maliki called on Saudi businessmen to invest in Iraq during a visit to the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). Accompanied by a delegation of businessmen and government officials, the Iraqi Prime Minister met Saudi businessmen headed by acting JCCI Chairman Ziad Al-Bassam. "The security problems are not in all of Iraq, but rather they are confined to Baghdad," Maliki reassured businessmen, inviting Saudi firms to seek contracts in infrastructure projects. Al-Bassam said the Saudi businessmen wanted to deal directly with their Iraqi partners, which would reduce the cost of products and would benefit the consumer. He added that this would also ensure the spread of Saudi products in the massive Iraqi free market. The Prime Minister emphasized the historical and geographical bonds between the two countries. The two sides, he said, were partners in building the present and future. He pointed out that there were major investment opportunities in the fields of oil, gas, industry, agriculture, construction and services. "We are preparing a new law on investment that will be applied soon," said Maliki. He said the new law would protect investors' rights and their financial transactions completely. This was in sharp contrast to the policies of previous Baath party rule, he added. The Prime Minister said that the diversity in Iraq's natural environment, people, professions and high level of education provided a wide variety of opportunities for successful investment. Maliki said Iraq and Saudi Arabia were looking into reopening the Arar border crossing. He called for businessmen to support the reopening of the crossing which he said would help in boosting trade between the two countries. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki and his accompanying delegation held a meeting with a number of Saudi businessmen and investors headed by Acting Chairman of Board of Directors of Jeddah-based Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ziyad Al-Bassam. Addressing the meeting, the Iraqi premier reviewed historical, geographical and brotherly relations between the two countries and stressed that the two sides are partners in planning the present and the future. Al-Maliki commended the role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz so that Iraq and its people regain security and stability and play their role at the Arab, regional and international arenas. The Iraqi Prime Minister described his meetings with the King, the Crown Prince and officials as successful and fruitful, noting that the Monarch stressed the Kingdom's keenness on Iraq's unity, territorial integrity and safety of its citizens. He indicated that Hajj and Omrah (Minor Pilgrimage) Higher Commission will be formed to deal with Hajj and Omrah affairs. Acting Minister of Communications & Information Technology Khaled bin Mohammad Al-Qusaibi received the Iraqi Minister of Transportation Mohammad Allawi. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi received the Iraqi Minister of Oil Husayn Al-Shahristani. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. Minister of Transport Jubarah Suraysri received the Iraqi Minister of Electricity Karim Wahid Al-Hasan. They reviewed issues of mutual interest. The Iraqi Premier Maliki, performed Umrah on his first foreign trip since being sworn in as prime minister on May 20. Iraqi Premier Nouri Kamel Al-Maliki and his accompanying delegation arrived in Al Madinah Al-Munawarrah within his current visit to the kingdom. Al-Maliki was accompanied by Dr.Jubarah Ibn Eid Al-Suraisri Minister of Transport. In Madinah, they visited and prayed at the Prophet's mosque. Upon arrival at Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz international airport, they were received by a number of officials. Earlier, the Iraqi Premier and his accompanying delegation left Jeddah for Al Madinah. At King Abdul Aziz International Airport, they were seen off by a number of officials. On the other hand Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General addressed his thanks and gratitude to Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of the Interior and all governmental sector and organizations which took part in the service of Iraqi refugees during their stay in the Kingdom at Al Rafha'a camp. This came in a letter sent by Prince Naif a copy of which was delivered to the Muslim World Relief after most of the refugees left the camp and left a few number there. ,br> From his side Dr Adnan Khalil Pasha said the Muslim World Relief had participated in the care of the refugees upon the establishment of the camp after the war to free Kuwait in 1990. The camp housed 40,000 refugees. In Abu Dhabi President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, who was visiting the UAE as part of a tour in the region. As he received the Iraqi official, President Khalifa expressed his wishes for peace, stability and security in Iraq. During their meeting, Khalifa and Al Maliki discussed bilateral relations in addition to latest developments in Iraq, including efforts of the government to bring about a national reconciliation. "The UAE people, the government and the leadership stand ready to provide the necessary support to the brotherly people of Iraq during their current ordeal. The UAE and Iraqi people have had long-standing historical and brotherly ties. We will therefore do everything to ensure that Iraq has returned to the comity of nations as soon as possible", said Sheikh Khalifa. The UAE, said the President, is deeply concerned and saddened by the security situation in Iraq. Sheikh Khalifa called on the international community to take a proactive role in the process of attaining peace and stability in the country so as to give the Iraqi people the opportunity to resume reconstruction and development. Sheikh Khalifa also called upon all the Iraqi political forces and religious sects to rise above all the differences for the sake of the greater interest of Iraq. "Reason must prevail. The greater interest of Iraq should take precedence over any political differences or animosities which will yield nothing but disunity", said Sheikh Khalifa. Sheikh Khalifa was briefed by Prime Minister Al Maliki on the national reconciliation initiative which was recently launched by the government with the aim of brining various political forces and religious sects on board. For his part, Prime Minister Al Maliki extended his thanks and gratitude to the UAE government and people, noting that the UAE leadership under President Khalifa had been keen to see a permanently stable and secure Iraq. "The Iraqi people and government highly value the assistance offered by the UAE. The UAE has a special place in the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, not to mention, the brotherly and historical ties that bind the two peoples. It is against this background that we have been keen to visit the UAE as part of this tour", said Al Maliki. The Iraqi Prime Minister lauded the impressive achievements made by the UAE under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa, who he said, followed in the footstep of his late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The meeting was attended by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister in addition to other sheikhs, ministers and senior officials from both sides. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai received the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, who is currently visiting the UAE as part of a tour in the region. During their meeting which was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed and Maliki discussed bilateral relations in addition to latest developments in Iraq, including political and security developments. Sheikh Mohammed assured the Iraqi Prime Minister of the UAE support, noting that such a support would continue until Iraq restores its stability, security and ability to provide decent living conditions for its citizens. For his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership and people for their unfailing support to Iraq, particularly in the area of humanitarian aid. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, received the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki. The meeting discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. Present during the meeting were Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili, Minister of Energy, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Minister of Environment and Water. Attending from the Iraqi side were Dr Hussein Al Shahrstani, Oil Minister, Abdul Gadir Mohammed Jasim, Minister of Defence, Dr Karim Wahid Hassan, Minister of Electricity, Narmin Othman, Minister of Environment, Mohammed Alawi, Minister of Communications, Dr Rafi Al Isawi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Faris Ajil Al Yawir, Iraqi Ambassador to the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan hosted a dinner banquet in honour of Iraqi Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation. Meanwhile President Jalal Talabani, who announced his backing for Al- Maliki's plan for national reconciliation, had said an amnesty for those who had borne arms against the government will be offered provided they rejoin the political mainstream. "National reconciliation will be open to everyone and this will be explicitly stated by the prime minister when he presents it," Talabani said. In Washington U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice authorized up to a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, believed to be the replacement for the late leader of al Qaeda in Iraq -- Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. "Al-Masri, an Egyptian national, is a senior al Qaeda leader in Iraq and was a direct associate of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi," said Deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli in a statement. "Trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan, al-Masri is an explosives expert specializing in" constructing car bombs. The U.S. military believes al-Masri has taken over the terror network from al-Zarqawi, who was killed in a U.S. air strike June 7 north of Baghdad. He had masterminded hundreds of bombings, kidnappings and beheadings. The department's statement urges anyone with information on al-Masri's location to contact the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad or any other U.S. embassy or consulate, or any U.S. military commander. In an audio message published Thursday, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden grieved for al-Zarqawi and called him one of al Qaeda's "greatest knights." However, bin Laden did not say that al-Masri would assume al-Zarqawi's position. The reward for al-Masri is being offered under the State Department's Rewards for Justice program, which seeks to prevent acts of terrorism against the United States. The money is paid for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of terrorists trying to commit or committing acts against U.S. interests. |
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