JEDDAH, 14 March — Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday voiced his country’s support for the proposals made by Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, to bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
“I will carry Prince Abdullah’s peace message to the European Council and I will use the same words which the prince asked me to convey,” the Italian premier told a press conference before leaving the Kingdom at the end of a two-day visit.
Berlusconi described the Saudi peace plan as a turning point in Arab history and hoped that the United States, Europe and all other countries would respond positively to the crown prince’s peace initiative in order to establish real peace in the region.
The Italian leader said his visit was also intended to address the pathetic situation of the Palestinian people and called for international action to put an end to the blood bath in the occupied territories. Berlusconi expressed his condolences over the death of an Italian photographer yesterday while covering the events in Palestine.
He said his talks with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Prince Abdullah and other senior Saudi officials focused on political issues as well as ways of strengthening cooperation in defense, security and other areas. Berlusconi expressed his discomfort over a US threat to attack Iraq. But at the same time, he urged Baghdad to implement relevant UN resolutions and allow UN weapons inspectors to return to the country. He said a documentary prepared by Saudi Television on Saudi society and culture would be broadcast in Italy. Interior Minister Prince Naif, who met with Berlusconi, said he will visit Rome soon.
