JEDDAH, 4 June — Saudi Arabia yesterday voiced its deep concern over the growing tension between India and Pakistan and urged the two nuclear powers to settle their disputes through negotiations and avoid a destructive war that would endanger the whole region.
The Council of Ministers, which held a weekly meeting here yesterday under the chairmanship of Prince Abdullah, the regent, made this call after reviewing the escalating situation in the Indian subcontinent.
"The two countries must allow wisdom to prevail and settle their disputes through negotiations without resorting to war, which will only bring destruction and devastation to the two neighbors and the region as a whole," a press statement after the Cabinet meeting said.
Referring to the continuing Israeli military campaign against Palestinian civilians, the Cabinet said this will only worsen the situation and obstruct the ongoing efforts to establish peace in the region.
Prince Abdullah advised Saudi students to spend their annual summer holidays in a useful and constructive manner. The regent urged education officials in the country to take steps to improve the academic standard of students.
The Cabinet authorized Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, or his deputy to sign a memorandum of understanding with Yemen on wildlife protection. The meeting endorsed the agreement with Denmark signed on Jan. 25, 2001, for cooperation in environmental affairs.
The Cabinet assigned the interior minister or his deputy to hold talks with Greece to sign a security agreement. It also approved an agreement with Yemen for cooperation in sports and cultural affairs and youth welfare.
Meanwhile, Prince Abdullah met here yesterday with US Assistant Secretary of State for Far East Affairs William Burns and discussed the Middle East situation.
