Libya violence worrisome: Kingdom

By ARAB NEWS

Published: Apr 4, 2011 23:14 Updated: Apr 4, 2011 23:14

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday expressed deep concern over the impact of continuing violence on the Libyan people and hoped the London conference on Libya would help bring about security and safety for citizens and ensure the distribution of humanitarian assistance for victims.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, expressed appreciation for a statement issued by the Bahraini government commending Saudi Arabia for standing by the country during its time of crisis.

Peace and stability returned to Bahrain as a result of the wisdom of its leadership in dealing with its internal matters and because of its people giving priority to national interests, the Cabinet said.

The Cabinet reviewed the resolutions taken by a GCC Ministerial Council meeting in Riyadh, condemning Iran’s continuous interference in the internal affairs of GCC countries. Iran has been conspiring to undermine the national security of GCC countries and creating sectarian divisions among its citizens, a Cabinet statement said.

The Cabinet meeting supported the GCC’s call for dialogue between the Yemeni government and opposition to reach a consensus on national objectives and reforms and achieve a comprehensive peace settlement.

Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet authorized Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal to hold talks with UNICEF in order to make changes in the agreement between the two sides.

It endorsed the agreement with Japan for scientific and educational cooperation. It also approved a similar agreement with India for scientific and technological cooperation, Khoja said.

“The Cabinet meeting approved an accord signed with Singapore to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion,” the minister said. The Cabinet appointed a representative of the Civil Defense Department on the board of the Saudi Standards Organization.

The Cabinet appointed Muhammad Al-Dhabaan deputy Riyadh mayor for construction and projects, Abdullah Al-Jarboue assistant undersecretary for planning, Musaed Al-Humaidan assistant undersecretary for follow-up and information and Abdullah Al-Araj director general of information technology at the Ministry of Economy and Planning.