RIYADH, 28 October — The Kingdom will look for weapons in other markets if the United States chooses not to sell arms to Saudi Arabia, according to Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation.
"Everyone has the right to suggest what they want, but as far as it may concern us, I would like to say that our markets are open for the entire world," Prince Sultan said during a press conference late on Saturday after meeting visiting French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.
His remarks were in response to reports some in the US Congress have called for a`halt to US arms sales to the Kingdom.
Commenting on the reports that the Kingdom was planning to obtain aircraft from some European countries and the US, Prince Sultan said "the Kingdom has enough planes, but if we seek something in this respect, it will be for the enhancement of technical expertise only."
He said the issue of the French tanks deal was still under consideration. "But as regards Al-Sawari project, it is going ahead and we will receive the first delivery under this project after a few months," he added.
He expressed hope that the Iraqi issue can be settled without resorting to war. "The policy of the Kingdom vis-a-vis Iraq is well known, and it will be better to wait and see what is decided by the Security Council in this respect," Prince Sultan noted.
On the issue of prisoners of war (POWs) in Iraq, Prince Sultan said: "We are concerned about Saudi POWs who are among the Kuwaiti POWs, but so far we have received nothing from our Iraqi brethren."
Prince Sultan said the issue of developing "Al-Jazeerah" Shield force, will be discussed at the forthcoming conference of GCC defense ministers and then it would be submitted to the next GCC summit conference.
About the detainees in Guantanamo, Prince Sultan said this is an international issue, and added that they should be tried in a legal way because it is not possible to hold them without trial for an indefinite period.
Prince Sultan slammed those who try to widen the gap between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US and the European countries. "Our relations with our friends are proceeding without any problems," he said. "Our students have proved to be the best in the world as regards their adherence to religious teachings and behavior.
Prince Sultan yesterday chaired here the 22nd meeting of the board of directors of the General Organization for Military Industries.
