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February 2, 2007 |
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THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UNITY OF THE ARAB NATION AND THE PREVENTION OF OTHER COUNTRIES FROM INTERFERING IN ITS AFFAIRS. SOME USE THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE AS A PRETEXT TO INTERFERE IN OUR INTERNAL AFFAIRS BUT WE HAVE FAITH IN THE REVIVAL OF OUR NATION. MOST OF THE ARAB MUSLIM PEOPLE AND NON-ARAB MUSLIMS RECOGNIZE THE CLARITY OF THEIR FAITH. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said the policies of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been characterized by wisdom and success, notably its foreign policies. In an interview with the Kuwaiti-based Al-Seyassah Arabic newspaper, King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz underscored the importance of the unity of the Arab nation so as not to enable the other countries interfere in its affairs. He noted that the GCC summit, recently held in Riyadh, was characterized by transparency and confidence. He pointed out that the summit was attended personally by all GCC leaders. King Abdullah said the gulf region, which has been bestowed by rich resources, is in need of close economic relations for the service of the gulf nations. King Abdullah said the GCC has attained numerous achievements, adding that some of these achievements have been announced and others have not yet been announced. "We are looking forward to see our countries open for each other, and create a market with a flexible movement of persons and commodities, and make this region a place for economic and strategic cooperation. King Abdullah refuted the reports which said that Saudi Arabia has been adopting the policy of axis, and interference in the affairs of other countries. 'Some time ago I met Ali Larijani, the Iranian envoy, and I advised him, and I think he has conveyed my advice to the Iranian officials," he said. "I told him how to properly deal with the international society," he added. "The Saudi leaders know how to deal with the international community, and the Saudi policies have been characterized by wisdom and success. "I have briefed Larijani on the Saudi experience, and asked him to convey my advice to his country. "I have told the Iranian envoy that you are indicating by a way or another through your media and your supporters that the kingdom has been allying with others against Iran, but that is absolutely incorrect, because we never interfere in the affairs of others. We have advised them to work for avoiding the gulf region any dangers', he said. King Abdullah described Iran as a Muslim and neighboring country, and said 'I have made it clear to Larijani that the kingdom does not interfere in the affairs of others, and the kingdom does not want others to have antagonistic stand against it, other GCC member states or the Arab countries which are linked with joint security agreements with it." King Abdullah said it is a normal matter for the kingdom to announce the policy of moderation, because it is the cradle of Islam and it is the country which includes the two holy mosques. "With this policy of moderation, we aim at keeping out the society away from extremism and terrorism', he said. He noted that terror acts have remarkably shrinked and security men have succeeded in aborting terror acts before their occurrence. "Terrorism runs counter to the teachings of Islam," he said. King Abdullah said the situation in the Arab world is not comfortable. The Arabs should unify their ranks, and should shoulder their responsibility towards resolving their problems, he added. King Abdullah said the Arabs, and not any other party, should solve the Palestinian problem. "We are keen on the unity of our decision, because when we have one stand we will move forward strongly." King Abdullah slammed the exploitation of religion and deepening sectarian strife between the Sunnis and the Shiites. "If we behave cautiously, then we will avoid the dangers," he said. Asked about spreading the Shiite ideology in some 'Sunni' countries, King Abdullah said "we have been following up this issue, but we do believe that they will not succeed in realizing their goals, because the overwhelming majority of the Muslims are Sunnis, and they will never tolerate embracing another ideology." King Abdullah expressed optimism about the conferences on narrowing the gap among the Islamic schools of thought, and said it is hoped that these conferences will make matters clear. "We are following up these conferences, and we are aware of our role as a cradle of Islam and as a country that includes the two holy mosques', he said, adding that the Arab and non-Arab Muslim nations are aware of the proper and pure creed. King Abdullah reiterated the keenness of the Saudi rulers on realizing the aspirations of their people and providing them with all possible services. "Thanks to Almighty Allah, he has bestowed on us great bounties, and our economy is steadily growing and we have important oil and non-oil revenues." King Abdullah said the kingdom has repaid a great portion of the internal debt, and it is not facing exhaustible foreign debts. Pointing out to the harmony of the Saudi people, King Abdullah said the warm reception given to Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz when he returned to the country after a successful medical treatment trip abroad stands as a witness for the existing harmony among the members of the Saudi society. 'Tell our brothers and sons in the GCC member states that the kingdom will remain the elder brother, he concluded. Al-Attiyah hails King's wise vision for GCC integration On the other hand Secretary General of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Rahman Al-Atiyyah has highlighted the contents of the interview of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to the Kuwait-based "Al-Seyassa" Arabic daily. The contents of the King's interview reflect a wise vision and a practical manner for the support of the GCC march and its noble goals which project the aspirations of the GCC countries toward the path of integration and merger. Al-Atiyyah also lauded the contents of the speech of King Abdullah about the success of the 27th summit of the GCC supreme council, named as Jaber summit, which focused on the latest developments in the region at all political, security and economic arenas, notably the Palestinian problem and the phenomenon of terrorism as well as the relations of the GCC states with each other. He noted that the summit has emphasized the GCC potential in confronting challenges through a unified stand and a strong determination to go ahead on the path of cooperation for reaching the stage of integration. Al-Atiyyah praised the keenness shown by King Abdullah on the unity of the Arab nation. |
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