(WASHINGTON, DC) - Today, the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United States have asked the UN Sanctions Committee to designate four branch offices of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation as financial supporters of terrorism. The branches are located in Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan and Indonesia and subject to the laws and regulations of those countries. Saudi and U.S. authorities have determined that these branches of Al-Haramain have been infiltrated by individuals who have supported terrorist activities and terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue recently concluded its Second National Forum for Intellectual Dialogue. The forum was entitled 'Extremism and Moderation: A Comprehensive Approach'. Some 60 participants, both men and women, discussed fifteen academic papers prepared by researchers on topics such as "Characteristics of the Extremist Personality" and "The Relationship Between Ruler and Ruled, Rights and Duties of Citizens and Their Relationship with Extremism".
(WASHINGTON, DC) - While in Tunis for the 21st session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, Minister of Interior and Honorary President of the Council Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz called for better coordination of counterterrorism efforts throughout the Arab world.
The following quotes from leaders of the United States express the high level of cooperation and leadership Saudi Arabia provides in the War on Terrorism and other issues of mutual concern:
CIA Director George Tenet in Senate testimony February 11, 2003: “Others in the Gulf are beginning to tackle the problem of charities that front for or fund terrorism. The Saudis are providing increasingly important support to our counter-terrorism efforts, from arrests to sharing debriefing results.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its cooperation with U.S. law enforcement authorities on matters related to terrorism investigation. In regard to the issue involving Mrs. Maha Almarri, which was reported in the Washington Post today, Saudi Arabia assured the United States in a formal communication that Mrs. Almarri will be made available to U.S. authorities, should they wish to interview her.
In 70 years, Saudi Arabia has formed a nationwide educational system that provides free education from preschool through university to all citizens. Today, there are eight universities, over 100 colleges and more than 26,000 schools. Some 5 million students are enrolled in the educational system, which boasts a student to teacher ratio of 12.5 to 1.0 – one of the lowest in the world.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns over slow global economic recovery and growth. In addition, world tensions and possible war continue to apply upward pressure on oil pricing and, in turn, weaken the global economy.
In a speech on Wednesday before the National Conference of Mayors, Ambassador Prince Bandar bin Sultan said, “My government is ready to do more in the next two to three weeks to help bring down oil prices, if we do not see prices stabilize at or below $28 per barrel.”
(RIYADH) – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has presented a new initiative titled “Charter to Reform the Arab Stand,” which it hopes will be put before the next Arab Summit, to be in held in March 2003 in Bahrain. The initiative encourages regional economic development and greater participation by the Arab people in the political process.
(RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA) - At a gathering hosted at his home in Riyadh, for distinguished visitors to the Al-Jenadriyah Festival, Crown Prince Abdullah called upon regional leaders to promote moderation and tolerance. He said that this was a time for deep thought and reflection, for tolerance and moderation, for honesty and sincerity. He urged scholars and intellectuals to exert their efforts toward bringing people together, not dividing them.
The Saudi Telecom Company (STC) sold 30% of its shares in a public offering valued at approximately U.S. $4 billion. The offering was oversubscribed, as investors offered to buy $9.6 billion worth of shares, according to Saudi Minister of Finance and National Economy Ibrahim Al-Assaf.
"At close of the IPO, the value of requests filed by citizens was $9.6 billion. The process was a huge success," said the minister, a day after the three-week subscription period ended.