Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal today expressed the Kingdom's profound concern and deep regret at the launch of a military attack on Iraq, reiterating the Saudi position that it would under no circumstances take part in a war against the brotherly state of Iraq and confirming that no Saudi forces would take one step inside Iraqi territory. He referred to Tuesday's address of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz clearly stating the Kingdom's position on this crisis, and giving assurances of measures taken to safeguard the state's security, stability and national integrity, a responsibility that is shared by all citizens as well as officials. Prince Saud went on to express the hope that military operations would cease as soon as possible and the parties return to peaceful attempts without violating Iraq's territorial integrity, internal security and regional safety and without subjecting Iraq to any kind of military occupation.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Ahmed bin Hamad Alyahya has confirmed the safety of Saudi nationals residing in Kuwait, including diplomats and embassy personnel.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Defense and Aviation today denied reports that Al-Jouf airport, in the north of the Saudi Arabia, had been closed, saying such rumors are absolutely not correct, and that none of the Kingdom's airports would be closed.

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