The Supreme Judiciary Council reported that the crescent of the month of Shawwal had been monitored at sunset today, announcing the end of the month of Ramadan. Eid Al-Fitr was therefore announced to be tomorrow, Saturday November 13, 2004. Accordingly, from the vicinity of the House of God in Makkah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz and Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz congratulated Saudi citizens and all Muslims on the advent of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. In an address read on their behalf by Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Fuad Al-Farsi on radio and television, the Saudi leaders wished all those who have fasted complete acceptance of their fast by God Almighty, and reminded Muslims of the lessons of unity and social solidarity derived from fasting, worshipping and charity according to a strict system of Ramadan.

The Saudi leaders took the opportunity of renewing their vow to continue the unwavering crackdown on the deviant group which has been terrifying innocent people in Saudi society in the name of defending Islam, and reiterated that Islam categorically prohibits any resort to violence, terror and extremism to settle disputes. They also expressed sorrow and concern over the deteriorating security in Iraq and called on the Iraqi people to unite and work together for the security, safety and preservation of their country's national integrity. They recommended Muslims all over the world to take this opportunity to adhere more and more to the instructions of Islam and teach its lessons and true principles to non-Muslims, stressing tolerance, mercy, peace and protection of humankind and rejecting aggression and oppression.

Meanwhile, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz has sent a cable of thanks to U.S. President George W. Bush in response to a cable of congratulations delivered in his name and on behalf of the people of the United States of America on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Fitr. In his cable, King Fahd also expressed pleasure of the continuation of consultations between the two sides for the benefit and good of the two countries and peoples. Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz sent a similar cable to President Bush.

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