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July 28, 2006 |
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***** The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak on the occasion of his country's national day. In his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah wished the President continual good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity. Similarly, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General has sent a cable of congratulations to the Egyptian President on this occasion. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of congratulations to Sultan of Oman Qaboos Ibn Said on the occasion of his country's renaissance day. In his own name and on behalf of the people and government of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah wished the Sultan of Oman continual good health and happiness and his people steady progress and prosperity. Similarly, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General has sent a cable of congratulations to the Sultan of Oman on this occasion. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of condolences to the Chinese President for the victims of flooding in China. The King has also sent a message of condolences to the Indonesian President for the victims of the Tsunami that hit Java. Similarly, Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General has sent a cable of condolences to the Chinese President for the victims of flooding in China and a message of condolences to the Indonesian President for the victims of the Tsunami that hit Java. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz received a telephone call from President Mahmoud Ahmadi Nejad of Iran. During the conversation, they discussed the developments of situations in the region, the situation in Lebanon, and bilateral relations between the two countries. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior and the General Supervisor of Saudi Relief Commission for Palestinians (SRCP), has issued his orders to remit SR 28,497,848 to the account of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) within the framework of cooperation between SRCP and UNESCO to support educational programs inside Palestine. Interior Minister's Advisor Dr. Sa'ed Al-Arabi Al-Harthi said that the sum is the second and last instalment according to the treaty signed by Prince Naif between SRCP and UNESCO pertaining to the educational programs in Palestine. Al-Harthi also said that SRCP had remitted the first instalment when the treaty was signed and its amount of money was SR 56,995,698. He added that eleven universities, 23 colleges in Palestine and 19,000 Palestinian students have benefited from the first instalment, pointing out that those Palestinian students who will register for the second semester of the year 2006-2007 will benefit from the second instalment. Moreover, Al-Harthi said that SRCP has always been supporting the Palestinian people through 37 relief programs and humanitarian projects with a total cost of SR 808,806,027 which has contributed to easing the sufferings of Palestinian people pointing out that such things come within the framework of the keenness of King Abdullah and his Crown Prince Sultan to support and help the Palestinian people with all possible means. On the occasion of the first anniversary of the pledge of allegiance to The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Assir region commended the kingdom's achievements locally and internationally, also praising the wise policy of the King, the Crown Prince and the government in dealing with issues pertaining to Arab and Islamic nations. According to the directives of Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Khaled Ibn Sultan Assistant Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General decorated Staff Brigadier General Dhafer Al Shihri for receiving a PHD with honours from Nasser Academy in Egypt. In the presence of Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland Prince Mohammed Ibn Nawaf Ibn Abdul Aziz, The Prince of Wales inaugurated the Islamic Art Jameel Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In an inaugural speech, Prince Charles said the exhibits demonstrate the strength of bonds between the Muslim world and its neighbours in Asia and Europe. On his part, the Executive President of Jeddah-based Abdullatif Jameel Group Engineer Mohammed Abdullatif Jameel said that the support provided by the Group for the exhibition comes within the interest in world cultures, understanding among cultures and enlightenment of civilization of the Muslim world. A group of 12 trainees has joined the Institute for training a maintenance affiliated to Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz Academy for air sciences. The group is the 5th batch to join the institute which includes more than 74 trainees. Sultan Qaboos has sent a cable of condolences to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia expressing deep sympathy for the victims of the tsunami which hit Java. The Sultan expressed his sincere condolences to the president and the families of the victims. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that it was "extremely concerned" about the grave consequences Israeli military action was causing on civilians in Lebanon. "Hundreds of civilians in Lebanon have been killed or wounded, and it remains difficult to organize medical evacuations and to maintain health services," the ICRC's director of operations, Pierre Krahenbuhl, told reporters at a press conference. He added that large numbers of Lebanese were fleeing conflict zones in dangerous circumstances, and there were widespread destruction of public infrastructure in the country. The organization is addressing the most pressing needs in cooperation with the Lebanese Red Cross Society, which is making fully use of its 2,400 volunteers, 42 ambulance stations and over 50 clinics and other medical facilities all over the country. Krahenbuhl said the ICRC was asking donor countries for an initial 10 million Swiss francs (about 8 million U.S. dollars) to meet emergency needs in Lebanon over the next few weeks. The ICRC is also expanding its current team of relief workers in Lebanon and strengthening coordination with other relief agencies. At the press conference, Krahenbuhl also condemned Israel's sea and air blockade of Lebanon, which is making the relief work very difficult. "Under international humanitarian law the current sea and air blockade imposed on Lebanon must not prevent foodstuffs and other essential supplies from reaching the civilian population," he said. "We have reminded the Israeli authorities of their obligation under international humanitarian law to respect and protect medical personnel and their means of transport. We now expect improved access and security for medical teams," he added. In the meanwhile, Krahenbuhl urged Israel to respect the rule of proportionality in conflicts to avoid civilian casualties. "The high number of civilian casualties and the extent of damage to essential public infrastructure raise serious questions regarding respect for the principle of proportionality in the conduct of hostilities," he said. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Jacques Chirac called on the international community to step up efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and ensure safe delivery of relief and medical supplies to the Lebanese people. Sheikh Khalifa and his host President Chirac made the appeal during talks held at the Elysee Palace to discuss the current regional events. The two leaders reviewed the deteriorating and dangerous situation in Lebanon due to the continued Israeli aggressions on its lands. They agreed upon the necessity of intervention by the international community, namely the UN Security Council, to reach an immediate ceasefire and to make swift, effective action to assist the Lebanese government to maintain its sovereignty and authority on the whole Lebanese lands and implement UN Security Council resolutions on Lebanon No (1559) and (1680). The two leaders also stressed the vital importance of an immediate, active action for provision and delivery of humanitarian relief and medical assistance to the Lebanese people without any obstacles. The UAE President praised the French role in the UN Security Council for halting Israeli aggressions on Lebanon which is causing huge losses in both human lives and properties. Sheikh Khalifa also hailed calls made by French prime minister and foreign minister during their recent visit to Beirut for securing humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people. The French President briefed his guest on the results of the G8 summit held recently in St. Petersburg, Russia, and efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Lebanon and find a way out of the tragic and explosive situation there. On Iraq, the two Presidents underlined the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and non-interference on its internal affairs and supporting the Iraqi government effort to achieve national reconciliation and accord. According to the Emarati and French leaders, this would enable Iraqis to rebuild their country and attain security and stability. At the outset of the talks, President Chirac welcomed his UAE counterpart, saying that he was satisfied with the advanced level reached by bilateral relations of friendship, cooperation and partnership. Chirac said that Sheikh Khalifa's visit to France would definitely boost and catapult these bonds to new horizons for the best interest of the two friendly countries and peoples. On his part, Sheikh Khalifa expressed profound thanks to his French counterpart for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his accompanying delegation during the visit which reflect the longstanding bilateral relations in all walks of life. Sheikh Khalifa hoped his trip would further expand and enhance the joint partnership in all domains especially in investment, economic, trade, technological and scientific cooperation. He added that the opening of the French well known University of Sorbonne in Abu Dhabi would give a big boost to bilateral cultural and educational relations and understanding between peoples. The UAE president highlighted the French role in reviving the Middle East peace process in order to put an end to the continued Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people and enable them to establish their independent state. The two leaders emphasised the need for intensifying regional and international efforts to revive the Middle East peace process as per international legitimacy resolutions to achieve the comprehensive, just and permanent peace in the region. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Speaker Nabih Berri, Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani and Higher Shiite Council Vice President Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan attended a gathering, which concentrated on the "planned" and "brutal" Israeli offensive against Lebanon. The attendees expressed concern that Israel's continuing operation is occurring under "international political cover." The participants urged the United Nations to declare an immediate cease-fire, lift air and naval blockades and monitor a prisoner exchange to end the "collective killing" and destruction of Lebanon's infrastructure. Following the meeting, several attendees spoke to the press. Berri told reporters, "Israel cannot defeat Lebanon as long as the country clings to its national unity. Israel cannot overcome the resistance, nor can it stand up to the Southern shield unless it succeeds in defeating souls." Prime Minister Siniora said, "We have to stand side-by-side to confront the Israelis and defeat them, God willing," adding he was making every effort to world leaders (to intervene) but was "facing some difficulties in this regard. Grand Mufti Qabalan told reporters he was proud how the Lebanese people buried sectarian differences during the crisis and displayed their willingness to assist the estimated 500,000 Lebanese displaced by the Israeli operation. "Muslims and Christians have to put their hands together to lift the country from the disaster that it has been plunged into," Qabalan said. Yemen announced it has withdrawn its proposal for an emergency Arab summit on Israel's attacks on Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, saying the summit could create an inter-Arab divide. "Taking the (Arab) nation's interest into consideration and trying to avoid a divide in the Arab front, the Republic of Yemen regretfully announces an end to its efforts for holding an emergency summit," Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu-Bakr Al-Qerbi said at a press conference in Sanaa. "The summit was aimed at introducing a new Arab-international initiative to achieve peace after the failure by the international community to do so," said Al-Qerbi. He said the proposed initiative was based on the peace plan introduced by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and was approved by the Arab summit in Beirut in 2002. Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi received in Taif Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Affairs Dr.Edmund Docorro who is visiting Saudi Arabia as part of a current tour of member countries of OPEC. During the reception, they discussed the international oil market situation and OPEC's efforts to stabilize it as well as the bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in oil field. Al-Naimi reiterated that OPEC member countries are keen to stabilize the international oil market and to avoid fluctuation of oil prices which may affect the international economies especially of the developing countries. In a statement to SPA, he said after the reception that the visit of the Nigerian Minister of State comes within the framework of cooperation and consultation among OPEC member countries to discuss all oil issues. The reception was attended by Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister for Petroleum Affairs, Dr. Majed Al-Muneef, Saudi Governor at OPEC, and a number of senior Saudi officials at the ministry. Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to President Alvaro Uribe of the Republic of Colombia on the occasion of his country's independence anniversary. In his cable, the Sultan expressed his best wishes to the president and his people. British Foreign Office minister Kim Howells, has accused the Israelis of attacking the "entire Lebanese nation" by bombing civilian targets. His comments amount to the most damning criticism of Israel by a British minister since the conflict erupted 11 days ago, and indicate a possible Anglo-US split in how to deal with the crisis. Speaking at the start of a visit to the Middle East, Mr Howells called on the US to face up to the brutality of Israeli military tactics. "I very much hope that the Americans understand what's happening to Lebanon," he told the BBC. "The destruction of the infrastructure, the death of so many children and so many people. These have not been surgical strikes. "And it's very difficult I think to understand the kind of military tactics that have been used. "You know, if they're chasing Hezbollah, then go for Hezbollah. You don't go for the entire Lebanese nation." British and Afghan troops killed 19 Taliban guerrillas, a day after a suicide attack killed two Canadian soldiers in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Dozens of British soldiers with the NATO mission, supported by Afghan troops, carried out a pre-dawn attack near the capital city of Afghanistan's Helmand province in the southwest part of the country. The raid came a day after suicide attack by Taliban guerrillas killed two Canadian soldiers in the southern city of Kandahar, on the Helmund River. A spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition said a suicide car bomber crashed into a coalition convoy in the city around sunset. Eight other Canadian soldiers were wounded in the attack as the convoy made its way back to Kandahar Airfield, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kuwait commended the support showed by the people of Kuwait for Lebanon and Palestine whose people became victims of the ongoing Israeli atrocities. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister expressed sympathy with families of the Lebanese and Palestinian people who fell victims of the Israeli military might. In response to a question regarding the excessive use of force on the part of Israel against Lebanon, Sheikh Mohammad said it was hard to predict the Israeli intention, noting that the attack targeted Lebanon's legitimacy and the country's infrastructure. He said it was not easy for Lebanon, where democracy is exercised to enjoy such a peaceful political and social livelihood, noting that Israel was aiming at creating discord among the Arab nation by attacking Lebanon. "This cowardly campaign was not meant to free two abducted soldiers but to destroy the whole Arab nation," Sheikh Mohammad said. |