King: Interference by some countries destabilizes region

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday warned against the consequences of adventurism by some countries and their interference in others’ internal affairs, saying it would increase tension and destabilize the region.
The Cabinet reviewed repercussions of the events taking place in the region as well as the widespread violations of human rights in Syria and continuation of massacres and the use of military force against Syrian people.
Hassan Ahdal, secretary-general of the International Islamic Media Organization, welcomed the king’s statement saying it reflects the Saudi ruler’s desire to reinforce peace and stability in the Islamic world.
Speaking to Arab News, he said the continuing violence in Syria, fueled by the military support of Iran and Hezbollah, would create further tension and instability in the whole region.
Ahdal said Saudi Arabia would welcome a change in Iran’s policy toward Syria under the leadership of the new moderate president Hassan Rowhani. “We are looking forward to a wiser and democratic stand by Rowhani toward Syria where Bashar Assad’s regime is killing his own people,” he added.
The king urged authorities to double their efforts and mobilize all resources to speed up completion of the expansion projects at the two holy mosques and holy sites in order to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet discussed the progress of works at the two mosques as well as expansion of mataf (the circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba) and the holy sites in Mina.
The Haram expansion in Makkah will increase its capacity to 2.2 million pilgrims while the Prophet’s Mosque expansion will enable it to accommodate more than two million worshippers at a time.