JEDDAH, 19 March 2003 — Saudi Arabia declared yesterday that it will not partake in a US-led war on Iraq under any circumstances and voiced strong opposition to any possible US military occupation of Iraq.
“The Kingdom will under no circumstances take part in the war against Iraq, and its armed forces will not enter an inch of Iraqi territory,” Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd said in an address delivered to the nation.
Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, who gave the televised address on behalf of the king, also warned that the Kingdom will not allow any internal or foreign elements to tamper with the country’s security.
“We expect the war to end the moment UN Security Council Resolution 1441 to disarm (Iraq) of weapons of mass destruction has been implemented,” the king said.
“We categorically refuse that the war affects Iraq’s unity, independence, resources and internal security or Iraq comes under military occupation. We have informed the United States of the clear Saudi position,” he added.
King Fahd warned that if the war goes beyond its declared objectives, the Kingdom will adopt a different position.
“The exceptional circumstances surrounding this crisis during the past 12 years require us not to enter into an uncalculated adventure that could endanger the safety of our country and people.
“But if events take a course different from what we explained, or the war goes beyond its declared objectives, we will then take a different position,” said King Fahd.
King Fahd sought the cooperation of Saudi citizens to protect the Kingdom’s security. “We have to make joint efforts to foil saboteurs and infiltrators,” he added.
King Fahd warned against the dangerous consequences of war.
