JEDDAH, 14 September 2004 — Saudi Arabia yesterday warned government employees against opposing state policies and programs through statements, speeches or media talk shows, saying such violators would be punished in accordance with the law.
The weekly Cabinet meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, has instructed the authorities to take action against civilian and military employees if they stand against the Kingdom’s policies.
“The relevant law will be applied to any employee — civilian or military — who violates his duty of neutrality or allegiance to public service by opposing state policies and programs,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted the Cabinet as saying. The Cabinet warned employees against opposing state policies “through direct or indirect participation in preparing statements or memorandums or speeches in groups or signing any of them.”
They were also warned against “participating in media talk shows or internal or external contacts or meetings or covering up such participations with the aim of opposing state policies and programs,” SPA said.
The Cabinet meeting also approved the mineral investment law which aims at exploiting the Kingdom’s mineral resources in the best manner and facilitating the process for issuing investment licenses in the sector. “The new law allows investors to get any number of licenses and explore all minerals in the licensed area,” Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi said, adding that all investors would be treated equally and justly.
The government will take 25 percent of net revenues or an amount equal to the income tax from the licensee, whichever is the lowest, the minister said. Equipment and spare parts required for the project will be exempted from customs tariffs, he added.
Referring to the Palestinian issue, the Cabinet denounced continuing Israeli crimes against the Palestinians including the killings, deportations and destruction of houses and infrastructure. It urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with UN Security Council Resolutions and respect the peace road map. The Cabinet called upon the Iraqi people to join hands with the interim government in order to restore peace and stability in the country and tackle its political, economic and social problems.
Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hosayn spoke on the national campaign to conserve water which will be launched shortly. The ministry plans to distribute equipment free of charge to citizens to help them save water. The Cabinet urged the public to cooperate with the campaign and make use of the equipment. The Cabinet also highlighted the importance of the general census to be launched on Sept. 15, and urged Saudis and expatriates to cooperate with census officials. The meeting authorized the foreign minister or his deputy to sign the agreement between the government and the Makkah-based Muslim World League on MWL’s headquarters. It also approved new regulations related to agricultural aid.
Security in the Kingdom
Meanwhile, Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, said the Kingdom’s security situation was “excellent.” Speaking to reporters after attending a reception hosted in his honor by the people of the Makkah region, he said: “I can tell Saudi citizens that they are safe by the Grace of God.”
Prince Sultan denounced allegations that Saudi Arabia financed terrorist attacks. “We are the first victims of terrorism. So, nobody can accuse us of funding terrorism,” he added.
