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January 19, 2007 |
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CROWN PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ ANNOUNCES THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS AWARDED THE PRIZE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARISTAN IN RECOGNITION OF HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES TO ISLAM. PRINCE SULTAN REVIEWS SEPARATELY WITH THE ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER AND THE IRISH PRIME MINISTER REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND BILATERAL RELATIONS. THE ITALIAN MINISTER STRESSES THE IMPORTANT SAUDI ROLE IN SOLVING CRISIS. THE CROWN PRINCE ISSUES HIS DIRECTIVES TO BUILD 14 DAMS AT HIS OWN EXPENSES IN AL DAWASER. Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, chaired at his palace in Riyadh the 30th meeting of the higher committee to choose the laureate of King Faisal International Prize for service to Islam for the year 2007. Following the meeting, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of Assir region and director general of King Faisal Charity Foundation, said the committee has awarded the prize to HE President Mintimer Sh. Shaimiev of the republic of Tataristan in recognition of his distinguished services to Islam, including his relentless efforts in reviving Islamic culture in the republic of Tataristan, promoting Islamic teachings and values among its population, and rebuilding Islamic mosques that have been destroyed during previous eras. Today, more than 1000 mosques have been rebuilt, including forty in the capital city of Kazan, whereas only four mosques have existed during the communist rule of that country. President Sh. Shaimiev's reign has also witnessed the inauguration of the Ghol Sharif mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, as well as the printing of the holy Quran and major Islamic books, inception of numerous Islamic schools and Russian , Tatarstanian and Arabic languages. The president is also credited for pursuing a wise policy that helped consolidate rapport and peaceful existence among members of the population, and culminated in a discernible economic and cultural development of that country. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal congratulated the president, who was born in 1937, on winning the prize, wishing the others good luck. An agricultural engineer, Mintimer became president in 1991 and hence, won a number of prestigious prizes ant titles, notably those offered by the university of Cambridge and the UNESCO. Members of the committee include Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz, chairman of the board of trustees of King Faisal Charity who was deputized by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz; Dr. Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi, Sheikh of Al-Azhar of Egypt; Dr. Salih Bin Abdullah Bin Homaid, Chairman of the Shoura Council; Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsan Uglu, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference; Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdul-Mohsen Al-Turki, Secretary General of the Muslim World League; Dr. Mohammed Al-Habeeb Bin Al-Khoja, Secretary General of the Islamic Jurisprudence Complex and Dr. Abdullah Bin Salih Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of King Faisal International Prize. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received the Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Massimo d'Alema and the accompanying delegation. The Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister conveyed to the crown prince the greetings of Italy's President Giorgio Napolitano. In turn, the Crown Prince sent his greetings to the president. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries, ways of their enhancement in various fields and the latest developments at the international arena. The audience was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Nizar Bin Obaid Madani and a number of officials. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received Iran's Ambassador designate to the kingdom Dr. Sayyid Mohammad Husseini. The ambassador conveyed to the Crown Prince the greetings of Iran's President Mahmud Ahmad Nejad. In turn, the Crown Prince sent his greetings to the president. During the audience, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed matters of mutual concern. The audience was attended by a number of officials. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, held at his palace in Riyadh a reception and dinner parties in honor of the Prime Minister Of Ireland Pertie Ahern and accompanying delegation. The events were attended by princes, ministers, and senior civil and military officials. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, and Prime Minister of Ireland Bertie Ahern co-chaired an official round of talks between the two countries. Addressing the meeting, which was attended by senior officials of the two sides, Crown Prince Sultan welcomed the Ireland's delegation, wishing them good stay and fruitful talks. He lauded the progressing bilateral relations between the two countries, citing the visit of the president of Ireland to the kingdom in the past. On his part, the Irish senior government official thanked the government of the kingdom for warm welcome and generous hospitality. He lauded the progress of bilateral relations between Ireland and the kingdom over the last 40 years in all fields. Then the two sides discussed the overall developments in the region, notably the Palestinian issue and the situation in Iraq as well as aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries and ways of enhancing them. The talks were attended by the two sides' delegations. On the other hand Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General issued his directives to build 14 dams to conserve rain waters in the highlands of northern governorate Humera Valley at its own expense. The supervisor of the project Omar bin Muhammad Al-Dosari said the project, which is one of the best projects to conserve rain water in the highlands will be established on almost 180 km. Meawhile in Riyadh, the delegation representing (40) Academics from Harvard University extended its thanks and appreciation to Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector and Chairman of Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud Charity Foundation for hosting them during their visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Araib, and for the warm hospitality they received during their visit. The group of students from Harvard University visited the Disabled Children's Association center in Riyadh. "Saudi Arabia is not about the big cities like Riyadh or Dhahran. Saudi Arabia is really about the small towns and beautiful villages." Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism and chairman of the Disabled Children's Association (DCA), expressed that idea to a group of law students from Harvard University who visited the center as part of their visit to different government institutions in the Kingdom. Prince Sultan said he hoped the group would return to the Kingdom as tourists and see the different lifestyles of Saudis and their different colors. He said that American, British and German archaeological teams were now at work in the Kingdom. The prince said that the Kingdom had many beautiful sites, deserts and mountains as well as the world's best diving sites. The Kingdom, he said, was not just rich in natural assets but was also rich in culture, heritage, traditions and folklore. "This country is not just beautiful in terms of nature and antiquity. It is also rich in culture. Saudi Arabia is made up of several nations, not one nation. And each nation is almost like a state of its own. People do not understand the unity of Saudi Arabia," said Prince Sultan. "Saudi Arabia is about people with vision, it is about believers. Many people do not know that to be a Muslim, you must believe in Jesus and Moses and the books of God," he said. Prince Sultan said that the Kingdom was dealing with its own "crazies" and "zealots" in its own way just as the United States and any other country dealt with their zealots. He told a story about how an American family had welcomed him when he had to land his plane in a small Wyoming town because his compass was malfunctioning. "When I asked the man, who was in his 70s and wore a farmer's hat, to guide me to a place I could spend the night, he told me: 'You can stay at my place.' I spent two days fishing and hiking in the mountains with him," he continued. "The family still lives there." Prince Sultan pointed out that both the United States and Saudi Arabia have negative and positive characteristics. The prince said that the association for disabled children with its seven centers in the Kingdom employed "highly-educated" and "intelligent" women who were the backbone of its operations. He also said that the association's mission was not merely to build new centers but to support more research on disabilities. The prince pointed out that the association had 110 founders and that in order to be a founder, the individual or institution had to contribute at least $1.5 million. Hunter Pierson, a second-year Harvard law student, said he was interested in Saudi Arabia before visiting the Kingdom. He said at the time of 9/11, he was a teacher of ancient history and had explained to his students that the perpetrators of the act did not represent the majority of Muslims. "At the time I wanted to learn more about Islam," he said. "I read the Quran in the summer and came on this trip when the opportunity arose." He voiced what seems to be a common feeling among those who visit the Kingdom. "I feel that I have learned a great deal about the country. I have had an opportunity to meet people who are liberals and others who are conservatives," he said. "I feel that I have learned that there is no one Saudi Arabian who thinks the same on different subjects. I have a new respect for the critical thinking on every aspect of the culture." He said his wife and family were concerned for his safety when he told them that he was visiting the Kingdom "but I find it safe here." He also said the most common problem with American misconceptions of people in the region was that "they group everyone in the Middle East together and fail to make a distinction between Saudi Arabia and other places." The group was earlier received by Riyadh Governor Prince Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, at separate meetings. In Riyadh Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the foreign minister, said the visit of Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Massimo d'Alema to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia was culminated into the signing of an agreement pertaining to avoidance of double taxation. Addressing a joint press conference with the Italian minister, Prince Saud expressed satisfaction over the outcome of their talks and said these were "constructive talks". "The talks covered the bilateral relations within the framework of the Saudi Italian joint commission," he added. Prince Saud said the agreement of avoiding double taxation was aimed at enhancing trade relations between the two countries. Welcoming security cooperation between the kingdom and Italy, Prince Saud said the Italian official could be briefed by the concerned authorities on the security efforts being exerted by the kingdom. Prince Saud also welcomed the ongoing consultations between the friendship society at the Saudi Shoura Council and the Italian parliament. he noted that the talks had covered the latest developments in the Middle East region, notably in Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and Afghanistan as well as the nuclear issue in the region. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen on the solution of this problem through peaceful means, and Israel should never be excluded from any measures in this respect. Prince Saud elaborated." He underscored the importance of the Italian role in Lebanon, and described it as "constructive." 'We are looking for putting an end to tension in Lebanon, and the return of the Arab League's Secretary General to Lebanon', he said. "The proposals of the Arab League constitute a suitable way for overcoming the crisis and could enable Lebanon to avoid the prospective dangers," Prince Saud added. On the situation in Iraq, Prince Saud said that the deterioration and aggravation of security situations in Iraq form a source of concern for all countries particularly in the region, noting that the situation in Iraq affects the security and stability in the region directly and the world. He noted that the kingdom has been briefed on the new strategy of U.S. President in Iraq, adding that the increasingly complicated situation in Iraq needs a new way and strategy to achieve the goals of preserving Iraq's unity, stability and sovereignty; to stop security deterioration; to confront armed militias and terrorists organizations; and to put an end to foreign interference that endangers Iraq's security, stability and national unity; to equally deal with all Iraqi classes, races and political strata and to share Iraq's resources. Prince Saud looks forward to the forthcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to be informed of the nature of the US new strategy in Iraq. As to the Palestinian issue, Prince Saud expressed hope for resumption of the Palestinian national dialogue to eliminate all features of tension and violence in the Palestinian street ; to end the siege imposed on the Palestinian people; to regain their legitimate rights and to set up their independent state on the bases of just and comprehensive peace in accordance with the principles of the international legitimacy and its resolutions, Arab Peace Initiative and road map plan. He stressed the necessity of reviving peace process according to these principles. He also looks forward to Italy's continued positive role in the service of regional issues during its membership at the united nations security council for 2007 and 2008 and in support of world peace and security and legitimate rights of peoples according to the principles of justice, equality and bases of international legitimacy and its laws. On his part, the Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister commended in his speech fruitful cooperation between the two countries, pointing out that the two countries have been committed to confronting difficult and tragic crises in the region and to the importance of starting the process of stability and peace in the region. As to combating terrorism, he said that the most successful way of combating terrorism lies in working together and in wider encouragement from the world community to isolate terrorism. He emphasized the importance of contributing to Iraq's stability and avoiding the expansion of sectarian violence. d'Alema noted the forthcoming convention of Paris conference for Lebanon's reconstruction and indicated that the kingdom's contribution will be substantial, commending the kingdom's permanent and large contribution to the program of Lebanon's reconstruction. He added that the kingdom has been a major supporter of achieving stability in Lebanon. He pointed to a full agreement by the kingdom and Italy on the importance of solving the major problem of the historical dispute between Israel and Palestine which is a key to peace in the region. The Italian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister added that he discussed with Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the foreign minister, Iranian nuclear file, affirming that the two countries will work together so that Iran accepts a solution to the crisis through negotiations. Then Prince Saud and d'Alema replied reporters' questions On the possibility of using the kingdom's oil as a weapon to balance world oil prices if Iran uses it as a weapon, Prince Saud said,'' we do not consider oil as a weapon. The kingdom deals with oil as a resource to be exploited. We exploit it taking into consideration the interests of our citizens and oil producing and consuming countries. The minister of petroleum and mineral resources clearly pointed out that the kingdom's policy has been based on equilibrium in oil market. During crises, the kingdom has historically proved that it has performed its duty as the biggest producer to ensure the stability of oil market." Replying to a question on the nuclear program of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Prince Saud said the program endorsed by the council is to build an industry under strict regulation to ensure that it is for peaceful purposes and our example should be pursued by anyone possessing this nuclear industry and having no intention to develop it into nuclear weapons. This is the aim that we seek for in the council, Prince Saud. As to the new strategy of U.S. President George W. Bush with regard to Iraq, Prince Saud pointed to important points in the President's speech including dealing with the situation of militias in Iraq and direction towards national reconciliation and political work. He added that we are waiting explanation of this strategy during the forthcoming visit of U.S. Secretary of State. We are waiting clarification to know the goals of this policy, he said and added that Iraq's unity, independence and peace have been necessary, but they have not been achieved yet, therefore there should be a change in the policy pursued towards Iraq. As to the current policy, we are waiting explanation to be submitted by the U.S. administration, Prince Saud noted. On the European role in the Middle East, Prince Saud Al-Faisal lauded the contribution of Europe during Lebanon's crisis, particularly in the conferences held and forces formed to help solve the problem. "However, we look forward to a wider role of Europe in the Middle East", he said. On his part, the Italian minister said Europe has played and should play a bigger role in the Middle East politics not only in the Lebanese issue but also in the European commitment seeking to break the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate. Europe has always been a booster rather than a player, he was quoted as saying. I think it would be correct that Europe continues to provide economic support, particularly for the Palestinian people and for the rehabilitation of Lebanon in the current time, he said, adding that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays the role of a great booster who generously contributes to the rehabilitation and building process and endeavors to improve living circumstances in this part of the world. The Italian Foreign Minister went on to say that at this moment rather than any other time the region is immensely and significantly needs political action to boost matters towards a peace accord. Accordingly, it is important that a strong cooperation crystallizes between Europe and the Arab countries, like Saudi Arabia and other important countries who love peace, and work for combating terrorism and other open crises in the region, the Italian minister said. Such Euro-Arab cooperation would constitute a significant booster to the United States of America, the senior player who could provide a renewed serious action aiming at bringing about peace and stability in the region. Asked to comment on remarks made by the U.S. Secretary of State calling for what she called more Saudi participation in the Iraqi issue, Prince Saud Al-Faisal underlined the Saudi policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq. He said all Arab countries have underlined this point as crucial, only they would provide assistance to Iraq to achieve its territorial integrity and social unity. Moreover, we agreed to non-interference of other countries in Iraq and reaching a political solution among the different sectarian and ethnic groups in Iraq, he said. On proposal submitted by Italy at the United Nations to halt carrying out death penalty internationally, Prince Saud Al-Faisal stated Saudi Arabia's total rejection of this idea as it stems from different traditional justifications in Saudi Arabia. "it is not a matter of bargain as we have faith towards executing death penalty on those who commit particular crimes", he said, adding that there might emerge different cultural differences with Italy despite our agreement on a number of issues. In response to a question, Prince Saud reiterated Saudi Arabia's support for the Arab League Secretary General's initiative to bring about peace and stability in Lebanon. We help all Lebanese factions alike, provided that they commit themselves to Lebanon's unity and sovereignty and express serious wishes to solve problems through peaceful means and constructive dialogue, he added. Asked whether he sees any seriousness on the Israeli side which continues to invade the territories and kill innocents in a daily break of a fragile peace truce, the Italian minister said we always criticize and condemn on one hand and call for peaceful co-existence on the other. He expressed belief that the Israeli leadership has shown some kind of tendency to hold serious dialogue with the Palestinian president, He said, citing the most recent meeting between Israel's Prime Minister and President Mahmoud Abbas. "We have to take this window of hope to breathe and we have to exert efforts to work for expanding it to reach a real peace process", he concluded. |