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Saudi FM slams Western initiatives, says Arabs capable of self-reform
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal Sunday criticized the American and Western initiatives directed to the Arab countries. Al-Faisal asserted that his country is following local reform plans, noting that the Arab world has suffered from colonization, which created economic, political, and social obstacles.
| Ummm... That was 50 years ago. And they were colonized because they were primitive and incapable of governing themselves... |
He highlighted the Arabs' need for foreign help on two main issues, the Palestinian cause and the participation of rich countries in opening new markets and increasing investments. He added that "we are not calling for help for free ... we are calling for a real partnership," asserting that "Arabs are open and they know their interest, duties, and rights."
| Yes. We've seen that from Soddy Arabia's dealings with Western companies within its borders... |
Al-Faisal met Sunday the Yemeni President Ali Saleh and handed him a letter from the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, said the Yemeni News Agency. The agency said that the letter touched on the relations between both countries and the fields of cooperation, in addition to the developments in the region, especially in Palestine and Iraq. Al-Faisal and Saleh also discussed the preparations for the upcoming Arab Summit in Tunisia, in addition to the Arab view on reform in the area. Al-Faisal also held talks with his Yemeni counterpart Abu Bakr Al-Qerbi on methods to improve bilateral relations and cooperation in fighting terrorism. Al-Qerbi asserted the Arab countries are at a critical stage that requires them to reconsider their relations with their neighbors. He said that many Arab countries started reforms in the political, social, or educational field. He said that both countries believe that they face one enemy when they fight terrorism and create a real partnership, adding that "Yemen and Saudi Arabia are the largest partners at the Arabian Peninsula level". Al-Faisal and the Yemeni Prime Minister Abdulqader Bajammal discussed the relationships between both countries, especially in the field of investment, trade, and economic integration. Bajammal noted the changes in the Arab countries that serve its interests, noting the importance that this change comes from inside the Arab countries, not from outside.
Posted by: Fred 2004-03-21 |
