JEDDAH, 17 March 2003 — Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, yesterday reiterated Saudi Arabia’s total opposition to the US-led war on Iraq.
“There will be no change in the Kingdom’s stand. We are against war in any event and we always believe that peaceful solutions are better,” Prince Sultan told reporters after meeting with his French counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie here.
Asked about the message received by Crown Prince Abdullah from the French president, Prince Sultan said it reaffirmed the friendship between the two countries. “The message also highlighted the French stand that calls for international legitimacy,” the prince said.
He said the two countries had not signed any new military agreements.
“Our agreements have been in place for more than 30 years and there are no conflicts between us,” he added.
On her part, Alliot-Marie said her country will not take part in any military confrontation unless endorsed by the United Nations.
“Everybody should respect international legitimacy,” she added.
Alliot-Marie said Paris would help Gulf countries with which it has defense pacts to protect themselves, including against any chemical attacks. “I had the impression of a great similarity of views,” she told reporters of her talks so far with Gulf leaders, just after meeting the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad ibn Khalifa Al-Thani.
