HOUSTON, 7 February — Saudi Arabia yesterday called for the implementation of an agreement reached by all parties involved in the Lockerbie issue and said it would serve everybody's interests. "There is an accord on the issue with the approval of all parties and we are now working to implement it," Prince Bandar ibn Sultan, the Kingdom's ambassador to Washington, said.
The ambassador, who had taken part in a mediation effort to end the Lockerbie issue, said he was confident that the end result would be positive. "Because there is an agreement signed by all parties and witnessed by the United Nations," he said. He was answering a question about the lifting of global sanctions on Libya after the trial of Lockerbie suspects.
A court in the Netherlands on Thursday sentenced Libyan Abdel Basset Al-Megrahi for finding guilty in the bombing of a Pan Am jumbo jet over Lockerbie in Scotland 12 years ago, while co-accused Al-Amin Khalifa Fahima was acquitted and set free.
Asked to comment on Saudi-American relations under the new US administration, he said Saudi relations with Washington were not based on individuals and parties but on mutual interests. He voiced his confidence that the two countries would maintain the existing good relations.
"We are not bothered about changes of parties, Republican or Democrats. The Kingdom will deal with the ruling establishment there," he added.
He hoped that the Bush administration would activate the Middle East peace process and play a major role to bring about a just and lasting peace in the region on the basis of international resolutions.
Replying a question on Israeli elections, Prince Bandar said the Arab world was looking forward to an Israeli prime minister who would understand that peace is important for all peoples in the region including the Israelis.
Prince Bandar was talking to reporters after opening Saudi Basic Industries Corporation's (SABIC) Center for Research and Technology in Sugarland City. Saudi Minister of Industry and Electricity Hashim Yamani attended the event. Prince Bandar highlighted the enviable status achieved by the Saudi petrochemical giant.
