JEDDAH, 10 June 2004 — Saudi Arabia and Iran have reached an understanding on the need for a judicial agreement covering both the extradition of wanted persons and the transfer of prisoners to complete their sentences in their respective countries. The understanding was reached during a visit to Tehran by Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al-Sheikh.
Al-Sheikh held talks with Iranian officials on bilateral cooperation in judiciary matters. The minister was also received by Iranian President Muhammad Khatami.
The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat said the two sides have reached an initial understanding on a judiciary agreement that would be put before their two governments for review before being ratified.
Sources quoted by the newspaper did not specify whether the two sides discussed the issue of Al-Qaeda detainees which includes some Saudis who are currently being held in Iran. Iranian sources, however, said the issue did not come up for discussion between the Saudi minister and his Iranian counterpart Hashimi Shahroudi. The Iranians said they have no objection to discussing all issues that concern the two sides.
The Saudi minister said his country is constantly endeavoring to modernize and reform its judiciary system.
Shahroudi condemned acts of terrorism committed by some extreme and violent Islamic sects. He called for the promotion of Islamic principles — especially those relating to human rights and the rights of individuals in Islamic societies in Muslim countries — to prevent enemies from seeking to use such principles against Muslim states.
