JEDDAH, 12 April 2005 — Saudi Arabia yesterday called for prompt action by the international community to prevent Jewish extremists from invading the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and warned that such moves could destabilize the region.

The Council of Ministers, chaired by Crown Prince Abdullah, said that the move by ultranationalist Jews would also derail the Middle East peace process.

The Cabinet congratulated the new Iraqi government of Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari and wished it would bring peace and prosperity to the people of Iraq.

“The move by Israeli extremists to storm into Al-Aqsa Mosque will endanger security and stability in the Palestinian territories as well as the region as a whole and will obstruct all efforts to establish peace in the region,” said a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

The statement came as thousands of Israeli police sealed off the flashpoint in Jerusalem to foil the march by extremist Jews that could have inflamed violence and complicated Israel’s plan to withdraw from Gaza.

Addressing the Cabinet meeting, Prince Abdullah spoke about the reshuffling of the Shoura Council and said the Shoura was instrumental in enhancing public participation in the decision-making process. He expected more effective participation by the Shoura in the next four-year term.

Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani said Prince Abdullah lauded the efforts of Saudi security forces in flushing out terrorists from the country. The Cabinet meeting also condemned last week’s terrorist bombing in Cairo.

The Cabinet welcomed the athletes taking part in the first Islamic Solidarity Games in the Kingdom and hoped the event would strengthen Muslim unity.

Madani said the meeting approved amendment to Article 74 of the Civil Affairs Law related to the issuance of family IDs and personal IDs. As per the amended article the family ID will be given for an indefinite period and when its holder dies similar cards will be issued to his heirs whose names are included in the original card. It also insists that the personal ID must be renewed 180 days before its expiry date.

The meeting also approved an agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Lebanon to establish a free trade zone as well as the new Installment Sales Law, which stipulates that companies involved in such businesses must be licensed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Cabinet endorsed a memorandum of understanding between King Abdul Aziz City of Science and Technology and Russian Science Academy for scientific and technological cooperation.