RIYADH, November 27 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, has advised Saudis to tighten their belt in the wake of a global economic slowdown.
"Saudi Arabia is integrated in the global economy and is consequently affected by developments that take place in any part of it. In the light of the current international economic difficulties, it would be better to tighten our belts until we have weathered the storm," the crown prince said.
The Saudi leader made this statement while addressing the country’s top security and military officers, including Gen. Saleh Khosaifan, director of the general intelligence, and Gen. Saleh Al-Mahya, chief of staff.
Referring to his recent contacts with US President George W. Bush, the crown prince said: "These contacts were mainly in the service of Islam and Muslims, especially the Palestinian cause."
He renewed his call for a just solution to the protracted Palestinian problem.
"What we want is justice and nothing more than justice. Injustice cannot last for long," he pointed out.
He described Islam as the religion of love and peace and said: "God willing, Islam will triumph."
Prince Abdullah denounced the anti-Saudi campaign being launched by certain foreign newspapers.
"These newspapers and those who stand behind them are actually attacking our faith and the Holy Qur’an, but they should realize the fact that we will remain strong with the grace of the Almighty and with our adherence to the teachings of Islam," he said.
"We are not going to compromise on two matters, namely religion and the nation, and this fact should be understood by all," the crown prince stated. He attributed the malicious campaign against the Kingdom to its application of the Islamic law.
"It is a matter of pride for the Kingdom to apply the Shariah and we are determined to go ahead on the path of Islam," the prince said.
He appreciated the role being played by security officers, particularly members of the general intelligence, in the service of their religion and country. "Thank God, our security men are vigilant, and they are capable of nabbing culprits in the shortest possible time," he added.
The reception was attended by Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, Prince Miteb ibn Abdullah, assistant deputy commander of the National Guard for military affairs, and senior officers of the land, air and naval forces, the air defense force, the internal security force, the border guard, the Passports Department, the Prisons Department, Al-Mujahedeen at the Interior Ministry, the National Guard, the general intelligence and the Royal Guard.
