Sixth National Dialogue Forum to focus on educational development (18/02/2006)

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has directed that the Sixth National Dialogue Forum focus on educational development in the Kingdom. The forum is scheduled to take place in Jouf Province.
 Chairman of the National Dialogue Forum Sheikh Saleh Al-Hussein said that the forum will provide a good opportunity for educators to exchange views and discuss ways to develop education in Saudi Arabia.
　

 King Abdullah condemns extremism in remarks to National Guard guests (18/02/2006)

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz received guests of the National Guard in Riyadh today, including intellectuals, members of the literary establishment and the media who are in the Kingdom to attend the 21st annual National Culture and Heritage Festival.
 In his welcome remarks, King Abdullah spoke out against extremism and called on intellectuals to help usher in a period of dialogue and respect for identity and religion among nations.
 King Abdullah began his remarks by saying that intellectuals and thinkers have a special responsibility in charting a future for the Muslim nation, pointing out its problems and proposing solutions.
 Arab and Muslim unity is the cornerstone of progress and glory, the King remarked, and history has shown that unity has brought golden periods of prosperity while periods of dissension have been marked by weakness and humiliation.
 King Abdullah also spoke out against extremism. He said that today, as the Muslim nation is subject to an attack on the religion of Islam, it is up to the intellectuals and thinkers to highlight the nation’s true image of tolerance, justice and moderation. They should clarify to the world that the actions of a few fanatical extremists do not reflect the spirit of the Muslim nation, its heritage ? only the destructive illusions of criminals.
 The King condemned the idea of clashes between civilizations, and called for such clashes to be replaced by a constructive and peaceful coexistence between and civilizations. Arab intellectuals and thinkers would be the vanguard of a stage of real dialogue between nations, a stage in which each party respects the other, its religions and identities.

 OIC calls for emergency foreign ministers’ meeting on Danish cartoons (18/02/2006)

 Secretary-General of the Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is calling for an emergency meeting of member states’ foreign ministers to discuss major issues, including the fallout of the publication of blasphemous Danish cartoons.
 Ihsanoglu has already contacted Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal as well as the foreign ministers of Yemen and Malaysia.

 Prince Turki discusses Saudi-US relations, global challenges at Harvard (17/02/2006)

 Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki Al-Faisal talked about the Saudi-US partnership and global challenges the two nations face in remarks at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government February 15.
 Saudi Arabia and the US have had a long, successful partnership for more than 60 years, and it continues to strengthen as the two nations work together to meet global challenges, Prince Turki said.
 Saudi Arabia and the US are working together to combat one of the most important challenges faced today: the global threat of terrorism, Prince Turki said, noting a joint Saudi-US task force to share information, resources and technology that is a model of international cooperation. The ambassador also pointed out that the Kingdom has enacted a three-pronged approach to combat terrorism by relentlessly pursuing the terrorists, cracking down on terrorist financing and changing the mindset that supports terrorism.
 “Our message is clear: Intolerance, violence and extremism are not a part of our Islamic faith of Saudi culture and traditions,” he said.
 In addition to terrorism, the international community must work together to create stability and foster peace in the Middle East. In particular, Prince Turki noted the need to find a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to bring stability to Iraq.
 Prince Turki also dispelled several myths about Saudi Arabia that have become prevalent in the West in the last few years.
 First, he dispelled the myth that Saudi Arabia exports a type of extremism known as Wahhabism. He noted that many in the West misunderstand what Wahhabism is, and pointed out that it does not advocate the killing of innocents or acts of suicide. The faith has been perverted by individuals like Osama bin Laden to justify their acts, similar to the way David Koresh or Jim Jones perverted Christianity.
 He also debunked the myths that immediately after the September 11 attacks, flights with Saudis left the US while American airspace was still closed, and that the Saudi government funded acts of terrorism. In both cases, he referred to the 9/11 Commission report, which found both of these myths to be untrue.

 New port to be built in the Eastern Province (16/02/2006)


 Minister of Transport Dr Jubarah bin Eid Al-Suraiseri announced yesterday that the Kingdom plans to build a new port for exporting minerals at Ras Al-Zour. There are currently three seaports in the Eastern Province.
 The minister also announced plans to expand the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and the King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail.
　

 King Abdullah opens 21st Jenadriyah Festival (15/02/2006)

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz opened the 21st annual National Culture and Heritage Festival at Jenadriyah today, with Saudi and foreign dignitaries in attendance.
 In a keynote address, Assistant Deputy Commander of the National Guard for Military Affairs Prince Gen. Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz remarked that King Abdullah conceived the idea for the festival 20 years ago, and that it has become one of the most popular cultural events in the Arab world.
 The week-long festival, organized each year by the National Guard, showcases Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage with exhibits including traditional arts and crafts, poetry, singing and dancing, as well as the traditional camel race.
 Other programs this year include an opera presented by Saudi singers, 22 dramas, poetry evenings, a book show, art exhibitions, and a Qur’an recitation contest, the Arab News reported today.
 The festival also offers seminars on relevant issues. This year, the main seminar will be on “Unity of Arab and Islamic Ummah: A Future Vision,” the Arab News reported. Participants include Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Dr Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijeri, secretary-general of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO); and Dr Abdullah Al-Turki, secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL). A second seminar will address
“Charitable Work: A Futuristic Vision.”

 Foreign Minister meets with US delegations (14/02/2006)

 Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal met with a US delegation led by Stephen Rademaker, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, in Riyadh today. They discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. Rademaker also met with Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation for Military Affairs Prince Khalid bin Sultan.
 Prince Saud also met with a second US delegation led by Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom John Hanford. They discussed issues of mutual concern. Hanford and his delegation also met with Minister of Interior Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz.
　

 Cabinet: Israel-Palestine, blasphemous cartoons (13/02/2006)

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz chaired the weekly Cabinet session at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh today.
 At the beginning of the session, King Abdullah briefed the Cabinet on his recent meetings with world leaders and their envoys.
 In a statement following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Madani said that the Cabinet had been briefed on regional and international developments.
 The Cabinet was also briefed on the ongoing fallout from the publication of the blasphemous Danish cartoons. The Cabinet said that the Islamic faith is based on a belief in and respect for all prophets, and that Saudi Arabia expects all countries, governments and non-governmental organizations to clearly side with such a respect for beliefs and to support the coexistence of civilizations. The Cabinet expressed confidence that the Islamic world would be able to safeguard its sacred beliefs, sites, identity and unique characteristics without violating the rights of others.
 Turning to local issues, the Cabinet discussed the upcoming Jenadriyah Festival, and thanked the National Guard for its efforts in this area.
 It also issued a number of decisions, including passing the General Commission for Survey’s organization, hierarchy and guide, and establishing its board of directors, which include: the Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General (chairman), the Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General (deputy chairman), representatives of other ministries, and two members selected for their scientific expertise. These members will be appointed by the Cabinet for a three-year term, renewable once. The Commission’s chief will report to the Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.
 The Cabinet ratified two agreements signed March 24, 2005 with Sudan, one to combat drug trafficking and the second for security cooperation to combat crimes including terrorism, money laundering and arms smuggling. The Cabinet also ratified amendments to the Arab League charter previously approved by the Arab summit held in Algiers on March 22-23, 2005.
 The Minister of Finance or his deputy was authorized to negotiate a draft agreement with Russia to avoid dual taxation and to prevent tax evasion. Finally, the Cabinet ratified a draft agreement on international railways in the Arab Orient.

 Interior Ministry issues statement for Saudis seeking US visas (13/02/2006)


 The Ministry of Interior has issued a statement for Saudis seeking entry visas to the United States. In the statement, the Ministry urges visa applicants to familiarize themselves with US immigration rules in order to prevent a delay in obtaining student visas, and warns that failure to obey immigration rules may lead to a delay in admission, denial of visa or possible deportation from the US.
 The Ministry cautioned prospective students that they may not change a visitors’ visa (B1-B2) to a student visa after arriving in the US, and that they must notify the appropriate US immigration authorities when moving from the university that provided them with the original I-20. It also cautioned students that they must register for and attend the required minimum credit hours.

 Shura Council requests full report on Egyptian ferry disaster (13/02/2006)

 The Shura Council held a regular session today, presided over by Vice Chairman Mahmoud Taybah. The Council requested that all concerned government departments submit a full report on the tragedy of the Egyptian ferry Al-Salam 98, which sank in the Red Sea Feb. 3.
 The Council also completed discussion of a 17-article draft regulation on international organizations based in the Kingdom.