http://indiabroad.rediff.com/us/2001/oct/31ny9.htm

Saudi Arabia doesn't back US-led strikes: Minister

The United States suffered a major embarrassment on Wednesday when Saudi Arabia, one of its key allies, categorically stated said that it did not back the strikes against Afghanistan.

Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz said the kingdom only had a "position" on the war against terrorism. The statement came ahead of a visit to the kingdom by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"No, the kingdom is not backing (the strikes) in the real term of the word," the Al-Riyadh quoted the prince as saying. "The kingdom only has a position" on the anti-terror campaign, he said.

There was more in store for the US. The prince went on to say that the coalition should avoid bombing innocent civilians and concentrate on the terrorists. Ever since the attacks started more than 3 weeks ago, a red-faced Washington has had to admit more than a couple of times that its "smart" bombs had ended up hitting civilians.

-- Swissrose (cellier3@mindspring.com), October 31, 2001

Answers

URL: http://paknews.com/main.php?id=6&date1=2001-10-31

Saudi Arabia calls for immediate end to Afghan strikes

JEDDAH, October 31 (PNS): Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif has said his country hoped for a quick end to US-led military strikes on Afghanistan because they were hurting civilians. "In fact, no one wishes to see this war continue, because it is killing innocent people. We hope - God willing - it will come to an end," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the interior minister as saying.

Asked if Riyadh was making any effort to end the attacks before the holy month of Ramadan, which starts in mid-November, Prince Naif said: "Saudi Arabia stands against terror and terrorists...and we say there must be active work to end terrorism," he said. While reiterating the Kingdom's support for the eradication of terrorism worldwide, Prince Naif called for an effective action to end the war. He was speaking to reporters before leaving for Bahrain to attend a Gulf Interior Ministers' meeting.

Prince Naif said the fight against terrorism would top the agenda of the two-day GCC meeting in the Bahraini capital Manama. He stressed the need for a united GCC stand against terrorism.

Later addressing the Manama meeting, Prince Naif said the Gulf region was going through an extraordinary security situation.

He deplored a campaign by the Western media to link Islam and Muslims to terrorism. "The Arab Anti-Terror Accord clearly reflects the stand of Arab countries against terrorism," he pointed out. "We will not sympathize with terrorists in any parts of the world at any situation," the prince said. He called for international cooperation to combat all forms of terrorism.

© Copyright PakNews, Fair Use for Educational and Research Purposes Only

-- Robert Riggs (rxr.999@worldnet.att.net), October 31, 2001.

Saudi Arabia; what's that?, is that a country?

-- Steve McClendon (ke6bjd@yahoo.com), October 31, 2001.