JEDDAH, 15 September — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd has renewed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the US-led war on terrorism and highlighted the strength of its ties with Washington.
In a message to US President George W. Bush, which was published yesterday, the king condemned the Sept. 11 attacks as a “repugnant criminal act” and expressed the Kingdom’s determination to continue supporting the international coalition against terrorism.
“One year after the events of Sept. 11, we are more than ever determined to contribute to the international efforts in which the United States plays a leading role in fighting and rooting out terrorism,” he said.
King Fahd sent the message to President Bush to mark the first anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington that killed some 3,000 people.
The king said the hijackers, 15 of them Saudis, “sought to inflame feelings of hatred and bitterness” between peoples and deplored “the defamatory campaigns and allegations that aimed to harm Saudi-American relations.”
“I take this opportunity to underline that these challenges will only strengthen the historic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and thereby consolidate the joint will to face up to those who want to harm the two countries,” the message said.
King Fahd expressed his sincere condolences and deep sorrow to the people of the United States and other countries who suffered human and material losses as a result of the criminal attacks.
King Fahd emphasized the need for removing the fear psychosis triggered by terrorism in the minds of people and establishing peace and tranquility all over the world.
The Saudi leader expressed his confidence in the leadership of President Bush who “enjoys wisdom and farsightedness, which are important elements to strengthen the international coalition against terrorism and protect its tenacity and firmness.”
King Fahd is currently resting at the Spanish resort of Marbella after undergoing a successful eye operation in Geneva at the end of July. The king left for Switzerland on May 20 after delegating his responsibilities to Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, until he returns. The operation for the removal of a cataract from his right eye was performed at the University Hospital in Geneva on July 29.
