RIYADH, 1 October — Interior Minister Prince Naif yesterday reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s determination to fight all forms of terrorism but ruled out the use of Saudi airspace for a planned US-led military campaign against the Taleban government in Afghanistan.
Prince Naif insisted that the international community must deal with the causes of terrorism. “Saudi Arabia is against the killing of innocent people and destruction of property. We should not focus only on fighting terrorism, but should look into its causes. Otherwise, we will be dealing with the symptoms rather than the disease,” he added.
“This is totally ruled out. Nothing has been discussed with us on this issue,” the minister said regarding the logistical support for the anti-terror campaign. “With regard to air corridors, they are governed by international agreements and norms, and we are part of this world,” he said.
Prince Naif spelled out his views yesterday at a wide-ranging press conference. He took questions on the international coalition against terrorism, the Saudi stand on the Taleban and Osama Bin Laden, the role of the media in tarnishing the reputation of the Kingdom, and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s remarks against Islam.
The minister’s opening statement was measured, but to the point. Without mincing his words, he spelled out the Kingdom’s views on the tragic events. Prince Naif said: “If Arabs and Muslims were involved in any terrorist act we should not forget that they might have been prompted by vital Arab issues, most importantly the happenings in Palestine.”
Prince Naif referred to the ongoing Israeli military campaign against unarmed Palestinians. “The tyranny, oppression and brutal killings carried out by Israeli forces against innocent civilians, even children, should also be closely considered. We therefore urge all the countries that respect peace and justice to stand up for the truth. There should be a new assessment at those who are fighting for their rights,” Prince Naif said.
He described the Israeli aggression against Palestinians as the root cause of instability in the region. He stated that the US stance, along with that of the Europeans, toward the Palestinians is blatantly unjust, tilted as it is totally in Israel’s favor. “If the US refuses to change its stance, it will be against their own interests, especially as warning signs still exist. We say clearly that the oppression of the Palestinians is there, and that the issue needs to be addressed. We have to differentiate between terrorists and freedom fighters.
Prince Naif restated the Kingdom’s unwavering stand against terrorism. “We do not export or import terrorism. We have been spearheading the fight against terror because we ourselves have been targets of terrorism,” he added. In this respect, he recalled the attack on the Holy Mosque.
He agreed that there should be an international conference on all issues relating to terrorism. Experts in the field, he continued, need to undertake research on how to combat it. He added that the Kingdom’s stand against terrorism stems from its beliefs and national interests.
Asked about the FBI’s list, on which Saudis living in the Kingdom have figured, Prince Naif said that “we are not confirming or denying the involvement of Saudis. We wait for the truth to emerge. We are not exonerating all Saudis. We are, after all, human. However, we will not tolerate it if Saudis are treated badly, and our embassy is providing every legal and moral assistance to them.”
He cautioned those in charge of the investigations against any hasty action in implicating Saudi nationals. “We are the target of those who want to tarnish our image. We ask them not to generalize about a whole community on the basis of the actions of a few.”
The interior minister confirmed that no arrests had been made within the Kingdom in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks against US installations. Prince Naif stressed the role of the media in publicizing the Arab stand on terrorism and he expressed his hope that the upcoming meetings of the Arab information and interior ministers would address this matter. He urged the international community to adopt the Arab anti-terror accord.
On the channeling of funds for subversive activities, Prince Naif said the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and the Ministry of Finance are monitoring such transactions. “However, we believe in the secrecy of accounts within the framework of the law. So nothing regarding this matter can at the moment be divulged.”
Asked about the condition of Americans and other Western citizens in the Kingdom, he said they were all safe and “no case of ill-treatment has been registered. We are known for our hospitality.”
Earlier, Prince Naif pointed out that Islam stood firmly against terrorism in all its forms and that the Kingdom’s stand on this issue is well known. “Saudi Arabia, along with the GCC, drew up a strategy against terrorism. We also took a stand with the Arab League on this issue in 1998. In fact, all our treaties focused on the fight against terror. Even the last treaty with Iran was concluded along these lines.” Prince Naif said the Kingdom’s Constitution is based on the teachings of the Qur’an, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble Companions.
“However, an important area of our concern is strengthening security, a right our citizens expect and deserve. And it will continue to be one of our priorities. To this end,” Prince Naif said, “we instill in our youth Islamic values and norms. Unfortunately, there were some Saudis who may have acted against their own country. If they were indeed misled into acting in an evil manner, their conduct should not be regarded as something characteristic of the Saudi people as a whole.”
“We are pained at what is happening to our citizens in the US and other countries,” he continued. “Though we appreciate the general stand of the US administration, we would like to let it be known that our people went abroad not for employment but for education, tourism and medical treatment. Terrorism is not the hallmark of any people or belief.”
Prince Naif stressed the role of parents in promoting Islamic values among their children and guiding them along the right path. “We don’t punish people except when they do something wrong,” he observed.
Asked whether Saudis traveling abroad are being affected by the fall-out from the attacks, Prince Naif said he did not think so. “But we will not allow any proven suspicious people to travel,” he added.
He added that there is no justification in asking Saudis to return home. “They should abide by the local rules and regulations and consider the sentiments and emotions of the people who have been affected. Saudis should be able to travel without any hindrance.”
Prince Naif said there will not be any change in the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief activities in foreign countries. “However, we stress that this aid should go directly to those in need. We should not allow anybody to exploit the aid for any other purpose.”
As for the Taleban, Prince Naif said their actions in the past and their continued refusal to hand over Osama Bin Laden to the US showed them to be stubborn. “However, it is not our way to treat people according to the actions of others. Here in the Kingdom, Afghans are treated fairly. They enjoy all the rights enjoyed by others. Recently, I came to know that some Afghans had immigration problems, and I ordered that they be helped to overcome them,” he added.
Asked to spell out the Kingdom’s stand on those who went for jihad, Prince Naif said “we do not encourage them as the people involved can take care of things themselves. If we can confirm their participation in jihad, we will deal with them.”
On Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi’s remarks deprecating Islam, Prince Naif said it is “erroneous.” Western nations and the media there should not accuse a great religion of such things. They should look at Islam and its focus on acquiring knowledge. We reject these charges, since they do not conform to our reality and encourage hatred of Arabs and Muslims. We respect all religions, and cannot accept any criticism against our own.”
