JEDDAH, 2 October — Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday denied reports that the Kingdom had agreed to the use of its air bases or to logistical support for strikes against Afghanistan, saying the US had not asked Riyadh for military assistance.
“As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, there was nothing asked of it to provide in terms of military assistance nor was there any discussion of it. We have not been asked and we have not refused,” Prince Saud told the Financial Times.
He stressed, however, that Saudi Arabia’s position should not be seen as a setback for US efforts to build a coalition. “Every country has to provide what it can according to its capabilities and its abilities.”
Prince Saud said part of the confusion arising over Saudi Arabia’s role stemmed from the fact that “it’s not clear what the military option is.” But the government also appears sensitive to being perceived as a launch pad for attacks against another Muslim country. Although Saudi Arabia has made clear its commitment to the fight against terrorism, it has to take account of popular sentiments that are critical of the US and not likely to tolerate military operations that lead to the death of civilians.
“It behooves all of us that the pursuit of those people should not cause hardship to the Afghan people,” said Prince Saud. “Everybody knows that Afghans have suffered years of war and the last thing they need is another conflict.”
The US has said that it is satisfied with Saudi cooperation. However, it is also said that Washington may need to coordinate military activities from a command and control center in Saudi Arabia that is now used for patrols over Iraq.
The Kingdom appears relieved by the cautious approach of the Bush administration. “The direction the US government is undertaking that this is a long-term effort,” Prince Saud said.
“You must find the targets, you must know who the culprits are; the more that we see this coming to the fore in the efforts of the US, the more encouraged we are that there will be better results.”
But the Saudi chief diplomat cautioned against extending the fight to other fronts, such as Iraq. “It would be a mistake to divert attention from finding the perpetrators of the attacks. No one who opens a second front can win,” he declared.
