JEDDAH, 4 March 2003 — Saudi Arabia yesterday called on the international community to continue its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis.
“International legitimacy is the best way to deal with this issue,” the Council of Ministers said after its weekly meeting here.
Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy said the Cabinet meeting also reiterated its support for the final communique issued by the recent Arab summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, which has reaffirmed the Arab countries’ total opposition to the planned war against Iraq.
The Cabinet, which was chaired by Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, stressed the need to find a peaceful solution to the Iraqi-US standoff to spare Iraq, its people and the whole region the aftermath of a devastating war.
The Cabinet meeting expressed its deep concern at the worsening plight of the Palestinian people reeling under the Israeli aggression. It also pledged political, moral and material support for the Palestinians and their uprising against the Israeli occupation.
Prince Abdullah, meanwhile, commended the efforts made by various government departments to make this year’s Haj operation a success.
He also urged the ministers to start preparations for the next Haj season in order to extend the best possible services to the guests of God.
“Saudi Arabia will continue its efforts to enhance the welfare and security of pilgrims by implementing new development projects and improving management of Haj affairs in future,” Al-Farsy quoted the crown prince as telling the ministers.
The Cabinet meeting approved the establishment of a joint stock company named Saudi Industrialization and Energy Services Company on recommendation of Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation.
It also decided to transform the Pensions Fund into a general organization with an independent budget and administration. The new body will come under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and National Economy.
The chief executive of the General Organization for Pensions will be called a governor, Al-Farsy said, adding that the governor will be the deputy chairman of the organization’s board of directors.
The Commission of Experts, in coordination with the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Civil Service, will set out the rules and regulations of the new organization.
There will be representation of the military sectors and retired employees in the organization’s board.
The Cabinet assigned the interior minister or his deputy to hold talks with the Malaysian side to reach an agreement for security cooperation, Al-Farsy said.
It also endorsed an agreement with France for the promotion and protection of mutual investment, which was signed in Jeddah on June 26 last year.
