JEDDAH: Prince Talal, president of the Arab Gulf Program for UN Development Organizations (AGFUND), has called for action against officials responsible for the deaths and destruction caused by the Jeddah floods.
He also praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for setting up a high-level committee to investigate the catastrophe.
“It’s essential to question and hold responsible those who were negligent in their duties and to fight corruption wherever it may be,” Prince Talal told reporters in Tunis.
He commended the success of this year’s Haj operation despite the threat of a swine flu pandemic. “It’s a miracle that there were only a few H1N1 cases this Haj season despite the presence of more than two million pilgrims moving together in a limited area.”
He attributed the fall in swine flu to the Grace of God and the government’s efforts to contain the disease. He, however, urged the authorities to be more cautious about swine flu, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
Prince Talal expressed his happiness over the return of Crown Prince Sultan to the Kingdom following a yearlong medical trip. “It not only concerns the royal family but also Arabs because he is a great Arab leader.”
He underscored the reforms introduced by King Abdullah and noted the support received by Saudi Arabia from Arab and Gulf countries for its military action against Yemeni intruders.
Prince Talal also highlighted the achievement of Saudi women in various fields. “The issue of women empowerment has become a major concern for Arab societies and this is an encouraging development,” he said. He also noted the efforts of the Center of Arab Women for Training & Research based in Tunis. He expressed his deep sorrow over the internal conflicts and bloodshed in Arab countries. “Every sincere Arab will reject this situation,” the prince said.
Prince Talal described the referendum banning minarets in Switzerland as racist. However, he pointed out that many Swiss organizations had opposed the move.
“We should not be disappointed on this matter and continue our efforts along with these agencies to revert the decision.”
