JEDDAH, 18 March 2003 — The Council of Ministers yesterday welcomed the recent statements made by US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair pledging their countries’ commitment to settle the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by 2005.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, urged the US and Britain to take quick action to start implementing the roadmap and the provisions of the Arab peace initiative.
The Kingdom called for tangible and effective measures to move the peace process forward, ending the current deadlock. It also called for the protection of the Palestinian people against Israeli attacks.
Bush said on Friday that a long-delayed “roadmap” would be unveiled as soon as the Palestinians confirmed the appointment of a prime minister with real powers. The roadmap lays out a series of steps to be taken in order to create an independent Palestinian state by 2005.
Earlier, Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, briefed the Cabinet on his visits to Shuaiba and Laith last week to inaugurate two vital projects — Shuaiba Phase Two desalination plant and a major shrimp factory in Laith.
King Fahd said the government will continue to provide all facilities and encouragement to Saudi businesspeople who invest their funds in the Kingdom and create new employment opportunities for Saudis.
The Cabinet approved a proposal made by the minister of petroleum and mineral resources allowing investment in certain minerals and precious stones.
In the light of a proposal made by the minister of labor and social affairs, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a Charitable Foundation for the Care of Orphans.
It authorized the finance and national economy minister or his deputy to sign an agreement for the establishment of Saudi-Algerian Investment Company.
The meeting also authorized the interior minister or his deputy to hold talks with the Omani side to prepare and sign a memorandum of understanding.
