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Saudi King vows to fight terrorism | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, delivers a statement on this week’s events in Egypt. (Saudi Press Agency)


Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Jeddah, Asharq Al-Awsat—Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz on Sunday issued a call for Islamic unity, criticizing religious extremism and vowing not to let “a handful of terrorists . . . terrify Muslims,” in a statement marking the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

King Abdullah pledged to root out terrorism, affirming that Saudi Arabia will adopt “all necessary measures” to protect citizens and residents of the country from the “scourge” of terrorism, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The King’s Ramadan message was read out on state television by Saudi Culture Minister Abdulaziz Bin Mohieddin Khoja.

The Saudi monarch also expressed hope that Islamic militants in different parts of the world would “return to their senses” and realize that their actions contradict the teachings of Islam.

Addressing the Saudi people, the statement read: “God knows you and what is in your hearts. It is right that we believe that God is satisfied with us, God willing, as we move in every small or big matter. Your reputation, thankfully, all over the world is worthy . . . except for those of our children who have been led astray to the countries of destruction. Their parents have nothing for them except wailing and praying. May God punish those who guided them on this bad path.”

“The Kingdom . .  rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and we will not allow a group of terrorists to take this religion as a shelter in order to serve their personal interests to terrify the Muslims or target our homeland or any citizens or residents,” the statement said.

“We, with the great determination, togetherness and cooperation of the people of this great nation, will expel this scourge,” the statement added.

“I pray to God to crown your and our efforts with all success in the service of the religion and nation. And every Muslim, God willing, will come back to the good,” the King’s statement concluded.