RIYADH, 25 October — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday denounced the Western media for its smear campaign against Saudi Arabia but emphasized that it will not deter the Kingdom from implementing Shariah law.
Prince Abdullah made this comment while addressing a number of senior princes, ministers, university rectors and chief editors of local newspapers at Al-Yamamah Palace. The Saudi leader also explained the Kingdom’s stances on current international developments.
The crown prince emphasized the need for a strong media and called upon Saudi writers and journalists to challenge the smear campaigns against Saudi Arabia and Islam.
“The ferocious campaign by the Western media against the Kingdom is only an expression of its hatred toward the Islamic system and the Kingdom’s adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying.
“We will not accept any bargain on the issue of defending our religion and nation,” Prince Abdullah stated. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s high reputation abroad, adding that he himself had felt that to be the reality during his tours to Asia, Europe, America and Africa.
“I have told officials in all these countries I visited that Saudi Arabia is honored to be the home of the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and that it will not do anything that is not in the best interest of Islam and Muslims,” the prince explained.
He continued: “Islam is a religion of love, brotherhood, truthfulness, mercy and peace. It has nothing to do with falsifications and deviations because it is a clear and pure religion and the final divine message.”
Prince Abdullah underscored Riyadh’s efforts in the defense of Arab and Islamic causes, especially the Palestinian issue and airing the opinion of Arabs and Muslims to international forums.
“We have utilized our political and economic relations with big countries to achieve these goals.”
He said Saudi universities have a big role to play in bringing up the country’s youth properly, providing them with the right direction to serve their country and religion.
“These youths are a trust on university staff,” he said and reminded the university officials of their huge responsibility.
“The government has set out its five year plans with a view to make best investment in building the men of this country, whatever be the obstacles and whatever be its financial requirements,” he pointed out.
The crown prince urged the media to uphold its trust and credibility.
“Reporters should make sure that they are writing the facts and readers should be given a clear picture, without sensationalizing or exaggeration,” he insisted.
The function was attended by Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence, Higher Education Minister Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari and Information Minister Dr. Fuad Al-Farsi.
