RIYADH, 6 February 2005 — Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal announced yesterday that Counterterrorism International Conference will deal with four major issues, including the ideology of terrorism, terrorism and drugs, past experiences and terrorist groups and organizations.
The minister said that major international organizations agree that terror attacks in Saudi Arabia have not constituted a major threat to the Kingdom.
Prince Saud stressed that the conference will concentrate on implementing major procedures globally to combat terrorism. “The conference will discuss ideas and opinions related to anti-terror campaigns,” Prince Saud said. “Therefore, we have invited countries that have past experience in dealing with terrorism.”
When asked about US President George Bush’s recent remarks directed toward the Kingdom, Prince Saud observed that friendly countries normally exchange advice freely. “When we advise the United States to change its policies in the Middle East, that does not mean we have anything against them,” he said.
The prince also noted that all President Bush did was express his hopes and ambitions “just as we express our hopes and aspirations.”
Prince Saud assured all that the Kingdom’s goal is to eradicate terrorism — not just to polish the country’s image.
Referring to recent incidents in Kuwait, the prince stressed that there is great cooperation between the GCC countries, and that they all exchange information.
“What happened in Kuwait proves that the means of cooperation is strong between the GCC countries,” he said. “The terrorists were caught before accomplishing any major attack,” he said.
In closing remarks, Prince Saud stressed that finding ways to resolve the Palestinian issue would help decrease terror attacks in the region.
Daily press briefings will be held during the conference to keep the media updated on the latest agreements and information released. Prominent delegates and key speakers involved in workshops will attend the daily press conferences to explain conference activities.
