Saudi Arabia reiterates Call to make Mid-East free from nuclear

Hague, June 17, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reiterated its
call to make the Middle East region free from nuclear weapons, and
said security and stability don't come through acquisition of weapons
of mass destruction but through cooperation and consultation among
the countries as well as through realizing development and progress.

These remarks were made by advisor at the Saudi embassy in Hague
Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudeiry while addressing today the fifth meeting
for the international initiative for fighting nuclear terrorism.

He pointed out that acquisition of nuclear weapons by Israel
constitutes a basic obstacle for bringing about security and
stability to the region.

The justifications of Israel for its acquisition of weapons of mass
destruction run counter to its allegations that it is keen on
coexistence with the nations of the region, he said, adding that
genuine peace should be based on confidence and proving good
intentions with the nations and countries of the region as well as
ending injustice, occupation and vicious crimes and not through
acquisition of nuclear weapons and imposing the policy of hegemony
which does not only threaten the nations of the region but also the
global peace and security.

Al-Sudeiry said the initial studies on the project of peaceful usage
of nuclear technology in the member states of The Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) have proved the usefulness of the usage of nuclear
energy for power generation and water desalination.

As regards fighting terrorism, he confirmed the Kingdom's firm stand
in this respect in line with the Islamic Sharia.

The Kingdom has been condemning all forms of terrorism irrespective
of its sources and goals at the various international and regional
forums, he said.

He noted that the Kingdom cooperates with the regional and
international organizations in fighting terrorism notably in the
field of exchange of information.

He pointed out that the Kingdom contributes to the international
efforts under the umbrella of the UN to set a definition for the
phenomenon of terrorism, but it differentiates between fighting
terrorism and the right of nations to obtain independence and restore
their usurped territories.

He called for an international document that guarantees the safety
and stability of the countries which don't acquire nuclear weapons.

--SPA