RIYADH: The Council of Ministers declared on Monday that it would not show any leniency toward those who violated the Kingdom’s territorial sovereignty. “We have the absolute right to take appropriate measures against intruders to protect our citizens, land and borders,” it said.
In a statement following the meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, the Cabinet said the Kingdom would take measures to prevent a repeat of the intrusion carried out by Yemeni rebels that killed a Saudi border guard.
The Cabinet meeting expressed its appreciation of the efforts being made by various departments and agencies to safeguard the Kingdom’s security and stability. It conveyed its condolences to the families of Saudis who died during the military operation. The Cabinet thanked Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan and other countries and organizations for denouncing the rebel attack and expressing solidarity with the Kingdom.
The Cabinet reiterated that the Saudi armed forces were sent to the Jabal Dukhan area in order to flush out the rebels. “They carried out their operations inside Saudi territory,” it said, refuting allegations by rebels that Saudi forces entered Yemeni territory.
Meanwhile, Saudi forces and Border Guards continued cleanup operation of the Jabal Dukhan border post on Monday. Residents said the border areas in Jazan were relatively calm on Monday. Maj. Gen. Ahmed Qazzaz, director of police in the province, told Arab News that the security situation throughout Jazan was excellent.
He said security forces provided assistance to evacuees. Several security agencies were conducting a joint campaign against visa overstayers and other illegals. During the past four days, 4,014 illegals have been arrested.
Social Affairs Minister Yousuf Al-Othaimeen told his officials in Jazan to provide people with all humanitarian and social services. Salim Al-Basahi, director of social insurance in Samta visited the refugee camps along the border. Miteb Al-Shalhoub, governor of Uhd Masaraha, said displaced people would be accommodated in furnished apartments. The Civil Defense has provided housing for 500 families. Displaced families are expected to receive at least SR2,000.
Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet authorized the transport minister to sign the code of conduct concerning the repression of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
The meeting also referred to the opening of a massive joint petrochemical project between SABIC and Sinopec in Beijing and another joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical in Rabigh, saying the projects reflected the Kingdom’s strong relations with China and Japan. The Cabinet hoped these ventures would lead to establishing more joint projects.
The Cabinet inducted the chairman of Saudi Red Crescent onto the Civil Defense Council. It also decided to sign an agreement with Bosnia for scientific and educational cooperation. The meeting agreed to set up a permanent committee at the Pensions Fund to look into the issues of Saudi workers in public corporations that have been privatized. The committee should complete its work within a year.
— With input from Muhammad Humaidan and Muhammad Al-Majid
