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Saudis oppose Pakistani terror amnesty program
The Saudi government has strongly opposed Pakistanâs move to announce general amnesty to foreign terrorists belonging to al-Qaeda specially of Saudi origin with whom Pakistan army just finished first round of bloody clashes in tribal areas. A source said the Saudi government wants Pakistan to give a loud and clear message to the Jihadi elements that "it meant business with them and on one would go unpunished for his crimes in the name of Islam." The source maintained the Saudi government is facing a dilemma since the events of 9/11 as in case these Jihadi elements get general amnesty and return to their country of origin, they could create problems in future at time because of their formidable training in terrorism and terrorists activities during the last two decade of fight against Russians in Afghanistan. Sources said the Saudi government has conveyed its deep concern over this announcement to the Pakistani authorities on the excuses that such extraordinary amnesty to foreigners could create troubles for the countries of their origins. A top level source confirmed that Saudi rulers have strongly expressed their fears that this amnesty would neither serve the purpose of Islamabad nor Riyadh because of rising concern of international community particularly of Americans against such deadly terrorists who were launching terrorists activities in the name of Islam. Sources said issue of announcement of amnesty to wanted militants also featured during President Musharraf visit to Saudi Arabia last month when he went to perform Umra. The source said Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah raised the issue of amnesty for the wanted terrorists now fighting against Pakistan army and tried to convince President Musharraf on this tricky issue. Sources said that the Saudi government was totally against the idea of amnesty because it thought that such terrorist elements who had brought a bad name to Islam and their countries of origin and above all created huge problems for the Muslims world over did not deserve any mercy by any government in any circumstances. Sources said main worry of the Saudi government is that majority of wanted foreigners were of Saudi origin and Riyadh had already been pinpointed by the American media for its alleged links and sympathies for terrorists who had masterminded and executed the plan of 9/11. Posted by: Dan Darling 2004-04-05 |
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