RIYADH, 12 January 2003 — Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal stated here last night that even if the United Nations asks the Kingdom to participate in a US-led war on Iraq its response will depend on the forthcoming report by UN inspectors presently inside Iraq and what is in the best interests of Saudi Arabia.
“We will struggle for a diplomatic solution until the last hour,” Prince Saud stated at a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, who is visiting the Kingdom as part of a regional tour to shore up support for a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis.
Earlier, Gul was received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd. Afterward, Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, held talks with Gul on major international issues including Iraq and the prospects for Middle East peace. Prince Abdullah and the Turkish premier also explored ways of expanding all aspects of cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by Prince Miteb, minister of public works and housing, Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence, Prince Salman, the governor of Riyadh, Prince Saud and other top officials, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
“There is only one goal for Turkey, and that is a peaceful resolution,” Gul told reporters in response to questions about a possible US strike against Iraq.
Gul added that on his earlier visits to Egypt, Jordan and Syria, he had discussed options for a peaceful solution with the leaders of those countries.
“It was a frank exchange of ideas and opinions which will see the light of day after this trip is finished,” he said, without elaborating.
“The region should have a united goal and vision,” Prince Saud told reporters. “Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey are working for a peaceful solution.”
“We have a responsibility, but Iraq has a bigger one,” the Turkish premier added.
Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia are under pressure from the United States to allow their territory to be used in an attack on Iraq, but public opinion in both countries — as in the rest of the Middle East — is firmly against war.
Prince Saud and the Turkish premier agreed that thus far the UN inspection teams in Iraq have not produced any evidence that Iraq is harboring weapons of mass destruction, as claimed by the Untied States. “In the past, Iraq has used chemical weapons. But so far the reports from the UN inspection teams are stating the opposite of America’s claims, and Iraq should continue to cooperate fully,” Gul said.
On a question related to the possible use of Saudi air bases for strike on Iraq, Prince Saud said that “we are looking for a peaceful solution and we have faith in President Bush’s statement that war is the last option.”
