RIYADH, 6 November — Saudi Arabia yesterday authorized Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal or his deputy to sign the United Nations International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.
The decision to sign the pact was taken by the weekly Cabinet meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd. The convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 1999.
Addressing the Cabinet, King Fahd said that during his meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair last week he had insisted on finding a quick solution to the Palestinian issue, making a reality the dream of an independent state for the Palestinians, and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
King Fahd, who completes 20 years as ruler of the Kingdom today, highlighted the tremendous progress made by the Kingdom in the educational, economic, industrial, social and cultural sectors during recent years.
"The meeting reviewed the achievements of the country as a result of joint efforts by various departments and in cooperation with the Kingdom’s citizens," Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsi told the Saudi Press Agency.
The Cabinet meeting also assigned Finance and National Economy Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf or his deputy to sign an agreement with France to promote and protect investment.
It authorized Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, chief of the Youth Welfare Presidency, or his deputy, to hold talks with Romanian officials to conclude an agreement for cooperation in the youth and sports fields.
The meeting appointed Abdul Mohsen Al-Faris as director general of the Department of Zakah and Revenues at the Finance and National Economy.
Women ID cards: Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday said the government was still working on the issue of identity cards for Saudi women. "This is a sensitive matter and has been discussed with (Interior Minister) Prince Naif who promised it’s coming. We are still working on it," he added.
The crown prince was answering questions raised by women during a meeting with senior education officials in Riyadh on Sunday. He said he favored the idea of establishing special female sections at Shariah courts to enable women to better express their cases.
He said the government was also considering to appoint women at leadership posts in the girls education sector. Prince Abdullah promised to look into the retirement rights of Saudi women.
