Ain-Al-Yaqeen - December 15, 2006

		December 15, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES EXPRESSES HIS SATISFACTION OVER THE OUTCOME OF THE GCC SUMMIT.
THE CABINET REAFFIRMS ITS CALL TO THE LEBANESE TO CONTAIN THEIR DIFFERENCES AND RESORT TO DIALOGUE, EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIFICATION OF THE PALESTINIAN RANKS AND THE FORMATION OF A PALESTINIAN GOVERNMENT AND LOOKS FORWARD TO THE COMMITMENT OF ALL PARTIES TO HALT SECTARIAN FIGHTING IN IRAQ.
THE CABINET EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DIRECTIVE OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL TO CONDUCT A JOINT STUDY BY GCC STATES TO CREATE A JOINT PROGRAM IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSES.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz chaired the cabinet's weekly session at Al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh.

At the outset of the session, the monarch expressed his satisfaction over the important outcome of the 27th session of the supreme council of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states concluded in Riyadh.

The Council adopted important decisions which enhance the council's progress, embody the keenness of crystallizing gulf citizenship to bring it into a lived reality, deal with and cover the issues in the region and their results, and support Arab and Muslim joint efforts.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the session, the Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Bin Amin Madani said that the Monarch expressed his appreciation for the atmosphere of cooperation and fraternity which dominated the summit's sessions as they were characterized by frankness, clarity and seriousness, thanks are owed to the effective participation of the GCC leaders.

In this regard, the Cabinet emphasized the importance of the directive of the supreme council to conduct a joint study of GCC states to create a joint program in the field of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes according to the international criteria and regulations, pointing to the economic and scientific significance of possessing nuclear technology in the field of peaceful uses.

Then the Cabinet reviewed the developments of situations in places of tension in the region and the world and Arab and international efforts to contain them.

The Cabinet reaffirmed that all parties in Lebanon should work for containment of differences, self-restraint and the priority of Lebanon's interests and should resort to wisdom, reason and dialogue to preserve Lebanon and its unity and to give no chance for those who want to harm Lebanon's land and people.

On the Palestinian issue, the Cabinet emphasized the importance of unification of the Palestinian ranks and the formation of a Palestinian government. The aims of the Palestinian factions should be the end of the suffering of the Palestinian people and the achievement of their legitimate rights to set up their state according to the international resolutions.

Expressing its regret over the continuation blood shedding in Iraq and increase in terrorist and criminal acts resulting daily in killing innocent people, the cabinet looks forward to the commitment of all parties to halting sectarian fighting and to stemming blood shedding of Muslims.

In this regard, the Cabinet welcomed the outcome of the ministerial committee concerning Iraq concluded in Cairo last week which called for convening an Iraqi national reconciliation conference according to the outcome of the preparatory meeting held at the Arab League headquarters in November, 2005.

Then princes and ministers concerned with the field of Hajj affairs briefed the King on the latest preparations to receive pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals this year, the minister noted.

The Minister of Culture and Information said the Cabinet then reviewed the local items on its agenda and issued the following decisions:

The Minister of Foreign Affairs or his deputy was authorized to sign the international agreement for repressing nuclear terrorism acts approved by the United Nations General Assembly on 4/3/1425 H. and to forward the accredited final version for further authentication.

The agreement aims at enhancing international cooperation among countries on innovating and taking effective and practical measures to foil terrorist acts and send culprits to justice.

Whoever illegally and deliberately possesses a radioactive material or manufactures or possesses a device designed for killing people or causing severe harm or damaging properties or environment or coercing a natural person, artificial personality, international organization or a state for the sake of doing something by using a radioactive material, device or a nuclear facility or causing damages on it or whoever was indulged in committing any of those crimes or becomes partner in them or organizes or instructs others to do so is held responsible according to the agreement.

The Minister of Justice or his deputy was authorized to discuss with the Indian side a draft agreement on cooperation in the judicial field between the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the republic of India, sign it and send the final version for further authentication.

The Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding on scientific and educational cooperation between the ministry of higher education of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the higher education commission of the republic of the Philippines signed in Riyadh on october 01, 2005.

According to the memo, the two parties seek exchange of experience and tests in the scientific, technological and administrative fields between higher education institutions, universities and research centres, exchange of scholarships and academic seats for talented students and exchange of student visits, books, publications, bulletins, periodicals and documents.

The Cabinet licensed the set up of a new stock company under the name of Al-Ahli Co-Op Company.

The Cabinet was briefed on a follow-up report on the progress of 767 educational projects for boys and girls to be financed from the surplus of 1424 - 1425 H. and 1425 - 1426 H. in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Qassim, Eastern (Region), Assir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Border, Jazan, Najran, Al Baha and Al-Joaf regions. The King instructed the expedition of work and follow-up on those projects.

The Cabinet approved the appointment of Osama Bin Abdul Aziz Bin Saad Al-Rabeea as undersecretary of the ministry of finance for financial and accounts affairs and ibrahim Bin Awad Bin Ibrahim Al-Ahmadi as director general of the office of the governor of Al Madinah Al Munawarah governorate and the transfer of Dr. Hamad Bin Abdul Hameed Bin Saad Al-Oafi from the position of the kingdom's permanent representative in Geneva to the position of assistant under secretary of the ministry of commerce and industry at the same 14th rank.