RIYADH, 8 October — Prince Turki ibn Muhammad, assistant undersecretary for political affairs in the Foreign Ministry, said yesterday that Saudi Arabia was ready to open its jails and courts as well as other government facilities for inspection by the UN Human Rights Commission. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, he confirmed the visit of Param Cumaraswamy, UN special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, to the Kingdom from Oct. 20 to 27. “We welcome his visit and we don’t have anything to fear,” the prince said. “The rapporteur will be able to meet with judges, lawyers, public prosecutors and human rights activists. He will also be allowed to go through the Kingdom’s judicial and criminal laws.” Prince Turki denied suggestions that Cumaraswamy’s visit was arranged on pressure from the commission. “It was decided more than two years ago and was delayed because of his official engagements and the Sept. 11 events,” the prince added. — Hasin Al-Binayyan
