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Saudi Foreign Minster Urges Global Efforts to Eliminate Conflict Areas | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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New York, Asharq Al-Awsat- Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, has affirmed that the global tireless efforts for combating terrorism and extremism will never be culminated into success if these are not combined with ”genuine” international efforts to remove ”tension zones.”

In an address, on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the 60th session of the UN”s General Assembly on Monday, Prince Saud made it clear that the compliance of the resolutions of the international legitimacy is the only way for the settlement of the crucial disputes and removal of the tension zones.

He noted that the terrorists exploit the feelings of despair and disappointment which are caused by injustice and aggression to realize their heinous goals.

Prince Saud underlined the importance of dedicating efforts for the activation of the peace march in the Middle East.

He added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had followed up with a great concern the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and hoped that this development would be followed by the Israeli withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied in 1967 so that the Palestinian people would be capable of establishing an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital.

Prince Saud pointed out that the Arabs have reiterated their adherence to the just and durable peace through the Arab peace initiative, adding that the Arab peace initiative, which is complementary to the Road Map, will further enhance the principles of international legitimacy.

Citing the Kingdom”s efforts in fighting terrorism, Prince Saud said the Kingdom had earlier convened an international conference in Riyadh for combating terrorism.

”The declaration of Riyadh has reiterated the oneness of the international determination to confront terrorism and extremism”, he said.

He noted that the recommendations of the conference included the proposal of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for establishing an international center for combating terrorism.

”This proposal was also adopted by the Arab Summit, held in Algeria, and by the Arab-Latin American Summit, held in Brazil, as well as by the Islamic Foreign Ministers.

Prince Saud underscored the important role that could be played by the UN in combating terrorism.

”The proposed international center for combating terrorism will never replace the UN”s terrorism fighting committee, the Interpol and regional centers, on the contrary it will enhance their effectiveness”, he added.

He hoped that that the proposed center will link the concerned national regional centers with a unified data base for exchange of information pertaining to the activities of the terrorists.

”The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to propose establishment of a working team under the supervision of the UN, which comprises experts from the UN”s committee for combating terrorism and from the countries participating in the conference”, he said and added ”we are confident that the draft resolution will be supported by the General Assembly”.

Prince Saud confirmed the Kingdom”s adherence to the principles of the international legitimacy as well as the resolutions of the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference which stipulate making the Middle East and the Gulf regions free from weapons of mass-destruction.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Iraq and the sectarian calls at the Iraqi arena.

”Such developments will further increase the sufferings of the Iraqis”, he said. &#34We would like to urge the Iraqis to close their ranks and to work collectively for the service of their country, &#34 he added.

Prince Saud said the Kingdom attaches a great importance to the problems of sustainable development taking into account the importance of preservation of the environment.

”Despite the fact that the Kingdom is one of the developing countries and it is facing the problems of population growth, yet it extended in the last three decades about four percent of its Gross National Product (GNP) as non-repayable assistance in addition to soft development loans to the poor countries, ”he said, adding that 83 countries had benefited from this assistance.

”Moreover the Kingdom participates in more than 14 regional and international institutions which are concerned with extension of multi-party assistance”, he noted.

Prince Saud said Saudi Arabia had waived more than $ 6 billion in debts which were to be paid to the Kingdom by poor countries.

He urged the industrial countries to honor their commitments towards the assistance of the poor countries and to unconditionally open their markets for facilitating imports from the developing countries.

Prince Saud highlighted the Kingdom”s role in the stabilization of the petroleum market in a manner that serves both producing and consuming countries, and positively contributes to the growth of the world economy.

He hoped that the procedures pertaining to the admission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the World Trade Organization would be completed before the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Prince Saud underlined the importance of revision of the working styles of the UN so as to enable it become capable of not only preservation of peace, but also of making peace.

”The important reforms in this respect should include the pledge of the permanent members of the UN”s Security Council to refrain from resorting to the right of veto for blocking resolutions and procedures that aims at the implementation of previous resolutions,” he elaborated

He called for creation of balance between the UN”s General Assembly and the Security Council, and enhancing the role of the Economic and Social Council.

Prince Saud underlined the importance of closing ranks for settling the world”s aggravated problems.