JEDDAH, 2 February 2003 — Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, has held open talks with a group of Saudi intellectuals and academics on a number of vital issues including the possibility of having an elected Shoura Council, according to a report in Al-Riyadh Arabic language newspaper yesterday.
“The discussions aimed at promoting transparency, expanding freedom of expression, increasing channels of dialogue, deepening Islamic culture and values in Saudi society and developing civilian institutions.
The topics also included the prospects of holding elections for the consultative Shoura Council in the future,” the paper said.
A number of reformists who took part in the discussions described the meeting as “constructive”.
“The aim was to give a long-term perspective,” Al-Riyadh said.
The discussions emphasized that the Kingdom must depend on tested ways on the road to reform, and they should be used to modernize government agencies in particular.
The talks also centered on the need to create a social safety net within the framework of Shariah (Islamic law) while giving due respect to the Royal family, the paper said, adding that the reformists considered the Royal family as the bedrock of the Kingdom’s unity.
The Arabic daily emphasized that any discussions to achieve development and reforms should not deviate from Shariah law and the concept of national unity, and should not undermine Saudi Arabia’s international reputation.
“All this could be achieved with greater transparency, which the crown prince has earlier called for,” the paper said.
Prince Abdullah has set an example for transparency at many occasions and called for expanding public participation in national affairs, it added.
“Prince Abdullah also wants to make the upcoming Arab League summit in Manama a landmark occasion by calling for greater political participation in all Arab countries,” the paper said.
It pointed out that international news agencies gave the crown prince’s new initiatives positive coverage.For the past two years, Prince Abdullah has been holding discussions with various Saudi groups, including Islamic scholars, businessmen and academics.
