Naif calls for peaceful solution to Iran crisis
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia reiterated on Sunday its stance on the nuclear standoff between Iran and the West, saying that the issue should be resolved peacefully.
However, it emphasized the need for ensuring the Middle East region was free of weapons of mass destruction.
"The Kingdom supports a peaceful solution to the issue," said Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif, adding that Iran should abide by all international regulations and agreements to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Speaking to Qatar's Al-Sharq Arabic newspaper, Prince Naif highlighted Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience in combating terror.
"Many countries wanted to benefit from our experience in this area," he said, adding that the fight against terrorism would continue.
"The fight between right and wrong and good and evil is an eternal one. Crimes will continue to take place as long as man is there," the prince said. However, he said Saudi Arabia has been successful in containing the evil of terrorism.
He said the Arab anti-terrorism agreement was a big achievement.
"It was an early warning given by Arab countries but it did not receive the proper international response."
Prince Naif said it was difficult for a single country to control cross border crimes, adding that it needs the cooperation of others.
Referring to the human rights issue, the minister said many parties raise this issue against others to realize their vested interests.
"In accordance with the Basic Law of Governance, Saudi Arabia is committed to protect human rights."
The Kingdom recently passed a law that prevents human trafficking. Saudi Arabia has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council for two consecutive terms.
"This demonstrates the Kingdom's good human rights record," he said.
Speaking about the new joint GCC projects such as railway and electricity schemes linking member countries, he said: "These projects would help strengthen the strong relations between the GCC people, which is based on religion, history, neighborhood and family ties that are stronger than technological links."
He said GCC leaders wanted greater integration between the member countries, especially in security matters.
He said there was no foreign pressure on GCC countries to change iqama, sponsorship and citizenship regulations. "The new changes in regulations came not because of any foreign pressure but because of our own decisions inspired by the teachings of Islam."
Prince Naif, who chaired a meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council in Doha recently, underscored the deep-rooted historic relations between the two GCC neighbors.
He said the bilateral agreements signed during the Doha meeting reflected the desire of the two countries to strengthen their ties in all areas.
He asked Palestinian groups to abide by the reconciliation agreement they signed in Makkah to strengthen their unity. "We hope that Palestinians would listen to reason before yielding to emotions, and would give priority to achieving their higher interests over their vested interests."
Prince Naif said the Arab peace initiative, proposed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, was the best plan to realize peace in the Middle East.
"King Abdullah has warned Israel, while addressing a summit in Kuwait, that the Arab peace initiative would not remain on the table forever. The message is very clear and Israel should know that," the prince said.
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