RIYADH, 14 January 2003 — Saudi Arabia warned yesterday that waging war against Iraq would be a loss to all parties and called for more diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully. Saudi Arabia “believes that waging war (against Iraq) will be a loss to all parties, the attacker and the target,” the Council of Ministers said following its weekly meeting.
“The Kingdom believes that opportunity should be given for dialogue even if the UN Security Council sanctions war. It is an Arab demand that enough time should be given for diplomacy to spare the region and the world human tragedies,” the statement added.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, expressed Riyadh’s “deep concern over developments toward Iraq, reaffirming the Kingdom’s keenness to preserve Iraq’s unity and national integrity.” The Cabinet asserted that “Iraq is an integral part of the Arab and Islamic Ummah.”
The Cabinet also lambasted the Israeli killings and destruction in occupied Arab territories as well as Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon’s oppressive policy to make gains in elections.
Prince Abdullah highlighted the moderate teachings of Islam while referring to Janadriah festival’s theme “This is Islam.” “Islam spreads the feelings of love and tolerance among its followers,” he added.
The Cabinet authorized the interior minister or his deputy to hold talks with Russia to conclude an agreement on security cooperation.
It also decided to sign a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria for coordination between the foreign ministries and assigned the foreign minister to hold talks with his Nigerian counterpart for this purpose. The meeting agreed to sign an agreement with Jordan for cooperation in youth welfare and sports.
Meanwhile, talking to NBC television, Prince Abdullah reiterated his confidence that the present standoff between the US and Iraq would not end in war. “I believe any problem can be solved through dialogue and understanding.” The crown prince said he felt “very clearly” that US policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict was biased and urged Washington to adopt a policy based on justice and equality to resolve the Palestinian issue.
Prince Abdullah attributed the negative feelings against the US among Saudis to American policy toward the Palestinian issue and the present situation in occupied Arab territories. “The other reason is the anti-Saudi campaign by a certain section of US media,” he added. He emphasized that the Qur’an and Sunnah prohibited terrorism and killing of innocent people. “Extremists are there in every society,” he said while answering another question.
