Shoura officials briefed about Kingdom’s stand

RIYADH, 17 October — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday met with senior Shoura Council members to explain Saudi Arabia’s stand on major events on the Arab, Islamic and international levels.

Also yesterday, Prince Abdullah discussed "developments on the international scene" with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf by telephone.

The conversation, initiated by Musharraf, came shortly after the Pakistani leader discussed the future of Afghanistan and the thorny issue of Kashmir with US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The Saudi Press Agency said Prince Abdullah and Musharraf discussed "bilateral issues and developments on the international scene."

Meanwhile, a fourth Saudi transport plane carrying 23,800 pounds of relief goods for Afghan refugees arrived in Islamabad yesterday.

In his address to the Shoura Council members, Prince Abdullah highlighted the Kingdom’s support for Arabs and Muslims in various parts of the world as well as its efforts to defend Islamic causes at international forums.

"The Kingdom has always provided political, moral and material support for Muslim causes," the crown prince told Shoura President Muhammad Jubair and heads of the consultative body’s special panels.

Prince Abdullah underlined the role being played by the 120-member Shoura Council in giving advice to the government on a number of matters. He also praised the valuable decisions taken by the Shoura in the interest of the country and its people.

"We expect a great deal from the Shoura Council and we have full confidence in its dedicated men," the crown prince said.

Shoura President Jubair thanked Prince Abdullah for his continuous support of the advisory body. He briefed the crown prince on the council’s achievements over the years, in terms of passing resolutions, drafting laws and endorsing international accords.

Jubair affirmed the solid principles being followed by Saudi Arabia, adding that these principles are based on the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. He praised the judicious stand taken by the government toward the current international events as well as its support for the Palestinian people.

The function was attended by Prince Miteb, minister of public works and housing, Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence, and other top officials.

Earlier the Shoura Council continued its discussion of the new trademark regulations. Dr. Hamoud Al-Badr, the Shoura’s secretary-general, said the meeting discussed the articles related to the registration and protection of trademarks.