JEDDAH, 20 July 2003 — The United States has not asked Saudi Arabia to send peacekeeping troops to Iraq and such a request would have to come from an incumbent Iraqi government, Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal told a press conference here yesterday.
“No such request was made to us. I don’t think the Kingdom is prepared to send any troops to Iraq unless it was at the request of an incumbent Iraqi government,” Prince Saud clarified.
Al-Faisal also said that Saudi Arabia welcomed the formation of an interim governing council in Iraq, and expressed his hope that this would lead to the setting up of a permanent national government in Baghdad.
“It is a positive step in the right direction for re-establishing civil institutions which will in turn make way toward normalcy returning to our fellow Arab nation,” Al-Faisal said.
He also expressed the Kingdom’s support for a bigger UN role in Iraq in keeping with Security Council Resolution 1483.
Prince Saud said the Kingdom was pursuing active contacts with other Arab countries to hold a meeting to discuss the future of post-Saddam Hussein Iraq and the future of the region.
Saudi Arabia will not open a representative office for the Iraqi governing council on its territory, Prince Saud noted, adding: “Diplomatic representation should come after a legitimate government is formed in Baghdad.”
“All activities that could possibly complicate or hinder the Middle East peace process should be avoided at all costs. The Saudi government is closely monitoring the peace process with great interest and concern,” he added.
Prince Saud commented on the future meeting between US President George W. Bush and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.
“I hope it will result in productive outcome for the sake of peace,” he said.
The foreign minister also highlighted America’s involvement in the road map for peace. “The United States has played a large and pivotal role, which is compliant with its pledge toward achieving peace,” the prince said. Prince Saud also applauded the positive role played by the Palestinian leadership and organizations toward implementing the road map for peace in the Middle East.
The foreign minister was asked about details regarding last week’s breakthrough deal with Royal Dutch/Shell and Total to develop upstream natural gas reserves.
“I don’t know all the details of the agreement but I do know negotiations are still going on between numerous companies for exploration rights of the Saudi gas sector for exploration and production,” he explained.
Prince Saud also acknowledged that the committee led by him that represented the Kingdom in the gas negotiations has been dissolved.
“The higher authorities here have placed the responsibility of continuing and ending the negotiations with the minister of petroleum,” he told reporters.
