RIYADH, 20 January 2003 — Security authorities have received more evidence that points out who were the perpetrators of a series of blasts that have occurred in Riyadh and Alkhobar over the last two years, Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed announced yesterday.

“Things have now become clearer as there is more evidence pointing to those who were behind the blasts,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after attending a function here yesterday, Prince Ahmed also said the Kingdom had taken all precautions to ensure security of pilgrims during the Haj season.

Commenting on the fingerprinting of Saudis visiting the United States, the minister hinted that the Kingdom would treat Americans in the same manner. “The principle of ‘same treatment’ will be applicable when dealing with countries,” he said.

Prince Ahmed said charitable activities in the Kingdom will continue without any hindrance. However, he added that such activities will be reorganized to prevent funds from reaching the wrong hands.

He refuted as “baseless falsification” the Western media allegations that a number of Saudi businessmen were financing terrorist organizations. “This is totally false. Nobody will believe these allegations,” he asserted.

Referring to another issue raised by Western agencies that Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, required assistance to change its pro-religious environment, Prince Ahmed said: “We are happy with our religious environment, which is pure and clean.”

He urged Western advocates not to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal affairs. However, he stressed that the Kingdom would not accept religious extremism, which is not allowed in Shariah. “Religious commitment is essential, and exceptions are found in every society,” he said.

He underscored the government’s efforts to fight poverty and cited the visit of Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, to the homes of the poor in a Riyadh district as evidence of the state’s concern for the less fortunate.

In a statement on Saturday, Prince Ahmed said the government was making intense efforts to eradicate bribery and administrative corruption and urged cooperation of the public to achieve this goal.

“Bribery is a social disease. If it spreads in a society it will cause big destruction. It’s more dangerous than many chronic diseases,” he said.