JEDDAH, 21 February 2006 — The Saudi government yesterday urged world nations to strengthen their relations through dialogue, respecting one another, their sanctities, faiths and identity. It also denounced the clash of civilizations idea and called for the peaceful coexistence of different cultures.
The Council of Ministers, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, reviewed the statements issued by Danish authorities voicing their apology and deep sorrow over the publication of sacrilegious cartoons.
The Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh commended King Abdullah for denouncing the clash of civilizations idea during a reception given to Saudi and foreign intellectuals who came to take part in the 21st Janadriya Heritage and Culture Festival.
King Abdullah told the guests that the future relations between the nations of the world should be based on truthful dialogue with each party respecting the sanctities, faiths and identities of the other. The king called upon Muslim intellectuals to project the image of the Ummah as a tolerant and moderate community that stands for justice.
Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani said the Cabinet emphasized the need for respecting the will of the Palestinian people and condemned Israel for withholding funds owed to the Palestinian Authority. It hoped that the Middle East peace process would continue on the basis of international resolutions and the road map for peace.
King Abdullah will attend the Aradha folklore dance to be staged at Daraeya Hall today as part of Janadriya festivities, said Prince Miteb, assistant deputy commander of the National Guard for military affairs, and deputy chairman of the festival’s Supreme Organizing Committee. He said Saudi and foreign intellectuals and media persons will attend the event, one of the main attractions of the annual festival.
Meanwhile, the Shoura Council yesterday urged authorities to implement the Jeddah airport expansion project quickly by removing all obstacles facing the project.
The Council advised the General Authority of Civil Aviation to conduct feasibility studies for building new domestic airports in some remote regions of the country.
The weekly Shoura meeting called for an increase in the number of judges to speed up resolution of cases. The Council demanded construction of new court buildings in various parts of the country.
In response to criticisms of the Council over its refusal to discuss women driving, Shoura Chairman Saleh Bin-Humaid said the consultative body is not running away from its responsibilities. “The decision on women driving was a procedural measure and it is quite natural that decisions will not satisfy everybody,” he said, adding that the Shoura would not ignore its members’ proposals.
