Saudi King Invites Iran's Ahmadinejad to Discuss Syria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TEHRAN (RIA Novosti) --- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will take part in the meeting of the 57-member pan-Muslim Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which will be focused on the Syrian conflict among other topics, Iran's Mehr news agency reported on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Following the Saudi king’s invitation to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s president to participate in the meeting of the Islamic countries which is going to be held in Mecca, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s president will participate in the conference,” the head of the international affairs in Ahmadinejad’s administration, Mohammad Reza Forqani, told Mehr news agency.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Iran and Saudi Arabia remain at loggerheads because of their stances on Syria. Iran, Syria’s closest ally in the region, has repeatedly voiced support for President Bashar al-Assad while the Saudis have called to arm the Syrian opposition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Saudi King Abdullah invited Ahmadinejad to the conference that will be held August 15-16, despite the growing tensions between the Sunni-dominated kingdom and predominantly Shiite Islamic republic, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On Saturday, 48 Iranian pilgrims who were traveling on a bus from Damascus International Airport to the Hazrat Zainab ne on the outskirts of Damascus were abducted by armed insurgents.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has called on Turkey and Qatar to help to release the kidnapped Iranians.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Syrian conflict has claimed 14,000-20,000 lives since March 2011, according to estimates by various opposition groups and the UN. The West is pushing for Assad’s ouster, while Russia and China are trying to prevent outside interference in the country, claiming the Assad regime and the opposition are both to blame for the bloodshed.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Saudi King Invites Iran's Ahmadinejad to Discuss Syria

TEHRAN (RIA Novosti) --- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will take part in the meeting of the 57-member pan-Muslim Organization of ...

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Iran’s President to Attend OIC Extraordinary Session in Saudi Arabia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">TEHRAN (NNN-IRNA) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend the extraordinary session of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to be held in Saudi Arabia, it was announced here on Monday. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Director General of the international department of the presidential office Mohammadreza Forqani told IRNA on Monday that the president is to take part in the meeting upon the invitation of the Saudi King. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He explained that the meeting will be held in Mecca on August 13-14 with participation of the heads of states of the OIC member states. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stressing that Iran has always played an influential role in the OIC, the official said the meeting is to discuss the latest developments in the World of Islam. --NNN-IRNA <o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Iran’s President to Attend OIC Extraordinary Session in Saudi Arabia

TEHRAN (NNN-IRNA) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend the extraordinary session of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OI...

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Saudi Arabia Upbraids Russian Statement over Shiite Unrest

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPAtqMxs7QqT-ATZq6bx0CGpUaYDKjQqG2tO9CUsGhUjPNbOIK109OSKHgHF9tUSWa0NUQOvuAAwrZi4iOQMdTNrZ6L_rMOGmV9M9OIfTLqoczSkyOu-ouAwarf3pOuFkRazl3r72m4Q/s1600/174617403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPAtqMxs7QqT-ATZq6bx0CGpUaYDKjQqG2tO9CUsGhUjPNbOIK109OSKHgHF9tUSWa0NUQOvuAAwrZi4iOQMdTNrZ6L_rMOGmV9M9OIfTLqoczSkyOu-ouAwarf3pOuFkRazl3r72m4Q/s400/174617403.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="" name="OLE_LINK6"></a><a href="" name="OLE_LINK5"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Saudi Arabia Upbraids Russian Statement over Shiite Unrest<o:p></o:p></span></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Photo © </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/skender/1878919942/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">flickr.com/_Skender _</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">RIYADH (RIA Novosti) ---Saudi Arabia considers statement of Russian Foreign Ministry's Commissioner for Human Rights Konstantin Dolgov about unrest in the kingdom's east 'unfriendly', SPA state news agency reported on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dolgov said in a statement published at the ministry's web-site this week that the Saudi government should ensure the rights of the Shiite population, such as peaceful rallies and freedom of view expression, in the kingdom where the vast majority of citizens are the Sunnis. He also thinks that suppression of rallies "may negatively impact on stability and harmony of civil society in Saudi Arabia".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"The kingdom condemns this statement, considering it unfriendly. Riyadh wants to remind the Russian commissioner that it still strive to respect the laws, sovereignty and independence of states and distance itself from interfering in internal affairs [of other states], including in Russian affairs and its policy to resolve conflicts on their own territory," SPA quoted the Saudi Foreign Ministry's statement.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mass protests of Shiites, living in the oil-rich eastern province of Saudi Arabia, broke out again this week after their chief spiritual leader Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was arrested and wounded and two of his assistants were killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Saudi Foreign Ministry also said it hoped that such remarks of the Russian commissioner did not aim at diverting attention away from unrest in Syria.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Under Amnesty International information, about 500 people has been arrested in the kingdom's eastern province since February 2011 for rallies participation. Six citizens were killed during the rallies' suppression.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Protesters call for democratic reforms, end of Shiite discrimination and release of detained demonstrators, while the Saudi government blames the protesters for fomenting unrest, combating with police and working for 'external forces'.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div></div>

Saudi Arabia Upbraids Russian Statement over Shiite Unrest

Saudi Arabia Upbraids Russian Statement over Shiite Unrest Photo © flickr.com/_Skender _ RIYADH (RIA Novosti) ---Saudi Arabia considers...

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UN Lauds Saudi Arabia’s Decision on Female Athletes at Olympics

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjZRnfNXx9Bu3IaTQdsucmo2u3YUG2jvhfrHxW15jI2-o3hX2B2hLmK9FlJExNkqInuhyknJbPPa-f4Y-ZmFlp-d5kGFYaGSpFpnZwIRh2ISYRkANYiC7E_X0R9MHLEoPiDbjMMnhTqI/s1600/2012071315013477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjZRnfNXx9Bu3IaTQdsucmo2u3YUG2jvhfrHxW15jI2-o3hX2B2hLmK9FlJExNkqInuhyknJbPPa-f4Y-ZmFlp-d5kGFYaGSpFpnZwIRh2ISYRkANYiC7E_X0R9MHLEoPiDbjMMnhTqI/s400/2012071315013477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">NNN--- Saudi sportswomen Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani (judo) and Sarah Attar (800m) – pose after they were entered by the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee ahead of the July 9 deadline. The United Nations on 12 July 2012 welcomed the decision made by Saudi Arabia to send female athletes to London to compete in the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games. “This decision, following a similar one by Brunei Darussalam and Qatar, marks a significant progress in realizing the right of all to take part in physical and sporting activities and hence achieving greater gender equality in sport,” the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried Lemke, said in a news release. Photo courtesy sport.Malaysia.com---NNN</span></div></div>

UN Lauds Saudi Arabia’s Decision on Female Athletes at Olympics

NNN--- Saudi sportswomen Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani (judo) and Sarah Attar (800m) – pose after they were entered by the Saudi A...

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Indonesian Maid Becomes Millionaire

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span dir="LTR"></span>  </span><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNN-Bernama) -- An Indonesian maid, whose name cannot be revealed for security reasons, has inherited 20 million Saudi riyals (US$5.3million) after her employer's death, Indonesia's ANTARA news agency reported. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A local Saudi's daily on Tuesday reported that the Indonesian maid came to Saudi Arabia to work for a property tycoon in the city of Taif. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Subsequently, the employer married the maid. However, he died not long after the marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to a Saudi Arabian social observer, Abdullah Umar, the employer inherited many plots of land and apartment buildings across many parts of Taif, particularly on the outskirts of the city, which resulted in ownership disputes among the heirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, the Indonesian maid decided to stay in Saudi Arabia until she obtained her husband's legacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After more than eight years of negotiations among all claimants to the properties, trial judge Sheikh Abdurrahman Al-Dakhil ruled that the maid was entitled to her husband's inheritance. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The maid then inherited 20 million Saudi riyals from her husband, whose legacy was valued at 300 million Saudi riyals (US$80 million), after the apartment buildings and plots of land were sold through an open bidding process. --NNN-BERNAMA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="direction: ltr; text-align: justify; unicode-bidi: embed;"><br /> </div></div>

Indonesian Maid Becomes Millionaire

  JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNN-Bernama) -- An Indonesian maid, whose name cannot be revealed for security reasons, has inherited 20 million Sa...

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Saudi Arabia Keen to Get Indian Pharmaceutical Products

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /> </span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saudi Parliamentary Delegation Meets  Ghulam Nabi Azad</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLg2V7fSc6zQBeaU_iyNwSKAXjw0Yf-fxJQTzSDQ7vQZ4FyjvMgcrshZQFCiTEw6BIJ_mmvIUEebGRhJxldHztJTX5AWw1dQb0q00BQEXY66-wPKe_WZ7Gb7y1fY6Bb1FzuqqkgROywg/s1600/l2012050940612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLg2V7fSc6zQBeaU_iyNwSKAXjw0Yf-fxJQTzSDQ7vQZ4FyjvMgcrshZQFCiTEw6BIJ_mmvIUEebGRhJxldHztJTX5AWw1dQb0q00BQEXY66-wPKe_WZ7Gb7y1fY6Bb1FzuqqkgROywg/s640/l2012050940612.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh called upon the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare,  Ghulam Nabi Azad, in New Delhi on May 09, 2012. Photo © PIB<o:p></o:p></span></div></td></tr> </tbody></table><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">New Delhi (PIB): A Parliamentary delegation led by Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative Council) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia called upon the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in New Delhi today. The delegation is on a three day official visit to India.  Azad recalled the close relations reflecting centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties between India and Saudi Arabia. There has been an upsurge in Indian investments in the Kingdom, especially after the signing of the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement during the earlier visit of King Abdullah to India in January 2006. The signing of Riyadh declaration also during Feb 2010 visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh further laid the groundwork for new era of strategic partnership between the two countries.  Azad also recalled his recent visit to Riyadh where he represented India at the funeral ceremony of the Late Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Sultan bin Abdul Aziz.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Talking of issues pertaining to health sector, Azad shared the Indian experience in the areas of Innovations in health care service delivery; Interventions in making health care accessible and equitable and our strength in producing good quality generic drugs at affordable prices.  Azad noted that about two million Indians in Saudi Arabia account for the largest expatriate community in the country. There are a huge number of Indian doctors and nurses there too. The Minister suggested that India could help Saudi Arabia with knowhow of setting up medical colleges as also with medicine supplies.  Azad informed that India is the 4th largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world in terms of volume and 13th largest in terms of value. Indian pharmaceutical products are exported to about 211 countries around the world. Indian pharmaceutical products have been acknowledged at many a UN forum for their good quality, safety and efficacy, he added. He stated that Indian generic drugs have helped bring down the cost of immunization and treatment of various diseases worldwide.  Azad particularly appreciated the excellent arrangements put in place by Government of Saudi Arabia for the comfort of Haj pilgrims.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The leader of the delegation Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh appreciated the hospitality extended by  Azad and said that they would especially welcome help from India for transfer of medical technology and also help with medical education as India possesses the technical capacity. He said bilateral visits not only help enhance understanding between the two countries but also help highlight areas of possible cooperation. The delegation informed that currently Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imports about five billion dollar worth of pharmaceuticals. Considering Indian pharma companies are among the world leaders, Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim said they would be keen to extend the incentives given by their government to Indian pharma industry to set up base in Saudi Arabia with the objective of producing affordable medicines to meet local and regional needs.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /> </div><br /> </div>

Saudi Arabia Keen to Get Indian Pharmaceutical Products

Saudi Parliamentary Delegation Meets  Ghulam Nabi Azad A Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative ...

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Bin Laden’s Family Arrive in Saudi Arabia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">RIYADH (NNN-KUNA) -- The wives and children of Osama Bin Laden - the slain leader of Al-Qaeda organization - arrived at Jeddah airport, southwest Saudi Arabia, from Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Thursday, a Saudi official confirmed here Saturday evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"At the request of Bin Laden's family in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the travel procedures of Bin Laden's family were facilitated," Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted the official as saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dealt with this matter on humanitarian, legal and religious grounds, taking into account that there is no information or evidence on the family's involvement or participation in any criminal or illegal acts, according to the report.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"It is inappropriate to discuss any details affecting the privacy of bin Laden's family in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the source concluded.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bin Laden was killed by US Special Forces in pre-dawn raid on May 2, 2011, in the north-west Pakistani city of Abbottabad. -- NNN-KUNA<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Bin Laden’s Family Arrive in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH (NNN-KUNA) -- The wives and children of Osama Bin Laden - the slain leader of Al-Qaeda organization - arrived at Jeddah airport, sou...

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India and Saudi Arabia Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Oil Sector

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4P6wZPWsUGmBh3J1rQ9zEIXEeqE5FpyrIC1-y528fMEUuIKslc68bJoC6mVcj_kKlPCKfL6oQhqAdR3noQnI_Ewo64we1Ae_Jhc0x33o6aONjdjFbmK86jOKW-I3PWI_HCCrLDcLpng/s1600/l2012022339421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4P6wZPWsUGmBh3J1rQ9zEIXEeqE5FpyrIC1-y528fMEUuIKslc68bJoC6mVcj_kKlPCKfL6oQhqAdR3noQnI_Ewo64we1Ae_Jhc0x33o6aONjdjFbmK86jOKW-I3PWI_HCCrLDcLpng/s640/l2012022339421.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 8pt;">The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 8pt;">Corporate Affairs, R.P.N. Singh and the Assistant Minister for<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 8pt;"> Petroleum Affairs, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> Abdul Aziz Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 8pt;">in a meeting, in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Delhi</st1:place></st1:city> on February 23, 2012.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></i><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 8pt;">Photo © PIB      </span></i></div></td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">NEW DELHI</span></st1:city><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> (PIB) --- Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister for Petroleum Affairs, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> held bilateral discussions with R.P.N. Singh, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas here today, on matters of bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector.  Singh led the Indian side while Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz led the Saudi side during the delegation-level talks under the India-Saudi Arabia Energy Consultations. The Indian delegation included senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and CEO’s of IOCL, ONGC, BPCL, HPCL and EIL. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">After the delegation level talks, the Assistant Minister from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region></st1:place> also called on S. Jaipal Reddy, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and held discussions on wide ranging issues related to cooperation in the hydrocarbons sector between the two countries. . <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The two sides discussed the World Oil Outlook, especially the growing demand for hydrocarbons in Asia and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> during the delegation level talks.  R.P.N. Singh conveyed <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>’s requirement of incremental quantities of Saudi Arabian oil imports in the years ahead considering the ongoing expansion in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s refining capacity. The Indian side also conveyed its growing requirement of LPG (Butane and Propane) considering the accelerated expansion of LPG coverage in the country’s rural areas under the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitran Yojana (RGGLVY). <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> imports nearly 2 million tonnes of LPG from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Other related issues such as the imposition of arbitrary cuts imposed by Saudi ARAMCO on supply of Butane and Propane from time to time, MRPL’s request for supply of crude oil on the basis of parent company guarantee instead of letter of credit, etc. were taken up with the Saudi side. . <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"> invited Saudi participation in upcoming investment opportunities in its petroleum upstream and downstream sector including OPaL’s Petrochemical project at Dahej and OMPL’s Petrochemical project at Mangalore. An offer was made to the Saudi side for considering equity participation in these projects as a strategic investor. Other proposed investment opportunities such as IOC’s LNG project at Ennore, BPCL’s LNG terminal at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kochi</st1:place></st1:city>, HPCL’s grass-root refinery in Vizag and IOC’s petrochemical plant at Paradip were also discussed. . <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Since both <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> are prominent actors in the International Energy Forum (IEF) comprising 88 countries, which is the world’s principal vehicle for the ongoing global energy dialogue, several issues related to the IEF were also discussed. . <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Acknowledging <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>’s importance as one of the fastest growing markets in the world, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region> expressed its readiness to engage <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> and fulfill its energy requirements on a long-term basis. The Saudi side assured affirmative consideration of <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region>’s request for larger quantities of crude oil and LPG while also agreeing to look into the issues raised by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> relating to the hydrocarbon trade and investment between the two countries. . <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The discussions between <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region>, a leading producer of crude oil and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the world’s 4th largest oil importer are significant as they come at a time of heightened uncertainty in the international oil markets. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region> supplied 27 million metric tonnes of crude oil to <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> during 2010-11, making it <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s largest crude oil supplier. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div></div>

India and Saudi Arabia Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Oil Sector

The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Corporate Affairs, R.P.N. Singh and the Assistant Minister for  Petroleum Affairs...

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India Holds Road Shows In Saudi Arabia to Attract Tourists

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">           </span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">NEW DELHI</span></st1:city><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white;"> (PIB) --- </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The Ministry of Tourism with the objective to tap the high end tourists from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) organised Tourism Road Shows in the cities of Dammam, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Riyadh</st1:city></st1:place> and Jeddah. The shows were held from 7th to 11th of this month.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">A strong Indian delegation comprising officials from the Tourism Departments of Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra, members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Air India, Jet Airways, Taj Group of Hotels, Medical and Wellness facilities etc., from <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region> were present to showcase the multitude of tourist attractions of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> to the Saudi Arabian Traveler. The Indian delegation was led by RH Khwaja, Union Tourism Secretary. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The State delegation of Jammu & Kashmir was led by the Minister of Tourism & Culture Nawang Rigzin Zora and the Minister of State for Tourism  Nasir Aslam Wani. The Ambassador of India,  Hamid Ali Rao, was also present during the event in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Riyadh</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The Road Show held in the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Dammam</st1:place></st1:city> on 7th January 2012 witnessed the presence of over 154 participants representing the members of the Travel Trade, Media and opinion makers of this sector. During the event held in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Riyadh</st1:place></st1:city> on the 9th January, as many as 172 members of the travel industry and media participated and got a glimpse of Indian tourism products and its rich cuisine. The final leg of the Road Show was held in Jeddah on the 11th January 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">According to travel statistics, 4.5 million Saudis representing nearly a quarter of the population, travelled abroad and spent about US $33 billion last year. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> is fast emerging as a preferred destination for the Saudi tourists. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Foreign tourist arrivals into <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> have witnessed a steady increase over the years, touching 6.29 million in 2011, an increase of 8.9% over 2009. During the year 2010 there has been an increase of nearly 38% in the inbound tourism from KSA to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> with around twenty two thousand tourists. The Visa issuance figures of the Indian Mission indicate a similar high growth in the year 2011. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">One of the highlights of the Road Show was the focus on the ‘Medical & Wellness’ Tourism potential of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s vast potential as a Health and Wellness tourism destination, backed by its medical facilities and world-class doctors, para-medical staff and hospitals, ancient healing systems such as ‘Ayurveda’ and other rejuvenating programs were show-cased. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The cost of medical services in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> is almost 30% lower to that in Western countries and the most cost effective in the region. Indian hospitals excel in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacements, transplants, cosmetic treatments, dental care, orthopedic surgery and much more. All medical treatments and investigations are done using the latest, technologically advanced diagnostic equipment. Moreover, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> is just about four hours away making it easier for patients to visit even for follow-up – offering unmatched proximity and value-for-money. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The Road Show also highlighted destinations which are becoming popular for holiday and the business traveler like the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Luxury</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Trains</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">viz.</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place> on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey and the Golden Chariot etc. in addition to the Palace Hotels, Luxury Spas etc. The other niche tourism products being publicized were adventure, eco and wildlife tourism. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The presentations were followed by interactive sessions with the members of the Indian Tourism Industry which provided an opportunity of building awareness about the Incredible India tourism product. This will contribute significantly in sustaining the growth of high spending tourists from KSA.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

India Holds Road Shows In Saudi Arabia to Attract Tourists

            NEW DELHI (PIB) --- The Ministry of Tourism with the objective to tap the high end tourists from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (...

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Upbeat On India, Saudi Arabia Seeks Liberal Visa Regime

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><b><br /> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:city w:st="on"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">NEW DELHI</span></st1:city><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> (NNN-PTI) -- Against economic troubles in Europe and uncertainty in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region> on Wednesday said it sees "huge potential" for stepping up commercial engagement with <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">However, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> which is home to two million Indian workforce, asked the Indian government to relax visa rules to boost bilateral trade and investment. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">"We are eager to do more trade with <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Huge potential is present in both the nations as both are emerging economies," Saudi Arabia Commerce and industry Minister Tawfeeq Bin Fouzan Al Rabea said at a Ficci meeting here. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Al Rabea, who is leading a 35-member business delegation, said there are opportunities for bilateral engagement in sectors like infrastructure, IT and education. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">With economic troubles affecting the entire Euro zone and the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region> economy giving uncertain indications, Saudi businesses are looking at <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> as an alternative investment and trade option, industry officials said. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Al Rabea urged the Indian Government to liberalize visa norms for its people. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">"... What I heard from some of our colleagues that they get only one month with single entry visa (from Indian Embassy in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region></st1:place>). So, I think, we need to do something here and there, to make sure we facilitate the movement of people between the two countries," Al Rabea said. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">On the other hand, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> gives multiple entry visas for one year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The visiting minister said that about two million Indians are working in different sectors in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The bilateral trade has increased by about 60 per cent to USD 25 billion in 2010. -- NNN-PTI<o:p></o:p></span></div></div> <br /> <br /> _________________________<br /> I added cool smileys to this message... if you don't see them go to: http://s.exps.me

Upbeat On India, Saudi Arabia Seeks Liberal Visa Regime

NEW DELHI (NNN-PTI) -- Against economic troubles in Europe and uncertainty in the US , Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said it sees "huge...

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Over 2 Million in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Saudi officials say more than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims are taking part in the annual Hajj rites, which peak on Saturday. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Hajj is the oldest and most sacred ritual of Islam. The pilgrimage focuses on the holy city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mecca</st1:place></st1:city>, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.<span>  </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Saudi Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdel Aziz said a record 1.8 million foreign pilgrims had arrived the kingdom as of Friday. He said they represented 183 nationalities. The foreigners will join hundreds of thousands of Saudi Muslims who are taking part in the ritual.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Most pilgrims visit the holy mosques in <st1:city w:st="on">Mecca</st1:city> and nearby <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Medina</st1:place></st1:city>, where they prophet Mohammed was buried over 1,400 years ago. They also gather on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Arafat</st1:placename></st1:place>, where the prophet is said to have delivered his last sermon. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Hajj will end on Sunday with Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam - one which every Muslim most fulfill, if possible, during his or her lifetime.---VOA News</div></div>

Over 2 Million in Saudi Arabia for Hajj

Saudi officials say more than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims are taking part in the annual Hajj rites, which peak on Saturday. Hajj is the ol...

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Holy Kaaba's Cover Delivered To Its Senior Keeper

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7sp0YrVhuJMh8uDGEUl3crW11yv2ewHcJCXwMa7o2oPjyLWVOBkR0x8y7u-dInOLlQeKTE0R_M5LP564NwGBoJXFLe7ooDtzFkWNC17mfj_b8371FF87ic7v5RDtAzyl3R2BfvItvuM/s1600/kaabah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7sp0YrVhuJMh8uDGEUl3crW11yv2ewHcJCXwMa7o2oPjyLWVOBkR0x8y7u-dInOLlQeKTE0R_M5LP564NwGBoJXFLe7ooDtzFkWNC17mfj_b8371FF87ic7v5RDtAzyl3R2BfvItvuM/s640/kaabah.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/m0h/105951695/sizes/z/in/photostream/"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 7pt; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/m0h/105951695/sizes/z/in/photostream/"><span style="text-decoration: none;">© flickr.com/Mo7amaD</span></a></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 7.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">HOLY MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia (NNN-KUNA) -- The Director General of Holy Mosque in Makkah and the grand Mosque in Madinah, Sheikh Saleh Al-Husayyen delivered on Friday the Kiswa, the black velvet covering of the holy Kaaba, to the Senior of the Sadana (Keepers) of the Holy shrine Affairs Sheikh Abdulqader Al-Shaibi.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The annual ceremony was held at this day in preparation for placing the Kiswa on Holy Kaaba on the Ninth Thu Al-Hijja on the Hijri calendar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Al-Husayyen said in a statement that such occasion was great and cherished to many Muslims every year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The Saudi official then gave a briefing on the history of such occasion and praised the contributing factory, including the Saudi government, for providing all necessary equipment to esnure good quality for such cherished site. -- NNN-KUNA<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Holy Kaaba's Cover Delivered To Its Senior Keeper

© flickr.com/Mo7amaD HOLY MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia (NNN-KUNA) -- The Director General of Holy Mosque in Makkah and the grand Mosque in Madin...

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Saudi Heir to Throne Dies

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;"><b> </b></span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz was in his eighties</span></i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>  </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Arabia</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">'s Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz has died of an undisclosed illness. He was in his eighties. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">His death was announced by the Saudi media, which said he died Saturday "outside of the kingdom following an illness." <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Western news reports say he died while undergoing medial treatment in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Crown Prince Sultan was one of the kingdom's most powerful figures and was believed to be first in line to the throne. He was the half brother of King Abdullah. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">In late 2010, he governed the kingdom while King Abdullah underwent surgery in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Both the monarch and the crown prince have suffered health problems in recent years. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">In 2009, Prince Sultan received treatment in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> for an undisclosed illness. Prior to the visit, he had been diagnosed with cancer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The crown prince had served as Minister of Defense and Aviation since 1963. According to the Saudi embassy to the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>, he was instrumental in establishing the kingdom's modern armed forces.<span>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">He had previously served as Minister of Transportation and governor of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Riyadh</st1:place></st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi news reports say Prince Sultan's funeral will take place on Tuesday. --- VOA News<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div></div>

Saudi Heir to Throne Dies

  Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz was in his eighties   Saudi Arabia 's Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz has died of an undisclose...

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Saudis: Iran Sought 'Murder, Mayhem'

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span>  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Arabia has accused <st1:country-region w:st="on">Iran</st1:country-region> of seeking international influence through "murder and mayhem," after the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> revealed an alleged plot by elements of the Iranian government to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said Thursday while on a trip to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Austria</st1:country-region> that <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> is working on a "measured response." He said his country would "not bow" to Iranian pressure and would hold <st1:city w:st="on">Tehran</st1:city> accountable for any action taken against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Meanwhile, Prince al-Faisal's British counterpart, William Hague, said Thursday the alleged plot was a "major escalation in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s sponsorship of terrorism." He said <st1:country-region w:st="on">Britain</st1:country-region> will work with the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region>, the European Union and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> to agree on an international reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Iran</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> has denied the allegations. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Ahani Wednesday as calling the scenario "absurd" and urging <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region> to be wary of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> efforts to damage relations of countries in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:place></st1:country-region> pledged to pursue a "strong and unified" international response to the alleged plot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The White House said President Barack Obama and Saudi King Abdullah spoke by telephone Wednesday and agreed that the plot represents a "flagrant violation" of international norms and vowed to hold "those responsible accountable for their actions."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the thwarted scheme a "dangerous escalation" in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s "long-standing use of political violence and sponsorship of terrorism." She said the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> will work closely with its international partners "to increase <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s isolation and the pressure on its government."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The tough response came a day after the U.S. Justice Department announced it had charged Manssor Arbabsiar, a naturalized <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> citizen, and Gholam Shakuri, a member of an elite Iranian military unit, with conspiring to carry out a bomb attack on Saudi envoy Adel al-Jubeir.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the plot was "conceived, sponsored and directed" from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">White House spokesman Jay Carney said the plot involved top members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, a group that operates outside of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He called that finding "significant in and of itself," and said <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state> is taking "no options off the table" in its response to the alleged scheme.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Meanwhile, the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> designated the Iranian commercial airline Mahan Air a supporter of terrorist-related activities in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tehran</st1:place></st1:city>. The finding prohibits <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> citizens from engaging in commercial or financial transactions with Mahan Air and freezes assets it may hold under <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> jurisdiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">U.S. Vice President Joe Biden called the alleged assassination attempt an "outrageous act" for which <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region> must be held accountable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide alert for American citizens about possible "anti-U.S. actions" following charges against the two Iranians. It said the scheme may indicate <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s government could be taking a "more aggressive focus" on terrorist activity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">U.S.</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> officials say Arbabsiar unknowingly hired an informant of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to carry out the plot, believing the informant had ties to Mexican drug cartels capable of killing the Saudi ambassador. They say Arbabsiar confessed to making a $100,000 down payment on the scheme with a price tag of $1.5 million.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Officials arrested Arbabsiar at <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>'s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">John</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">F.</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Kennedy</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">International</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place> on September 29, but Shakuri is still at large. ---VOA News <o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Saudis: Iran Sought 'Murder, Mayhem'

   Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of seeking international influence through "murder and mayhem," after the U.S. revealed an all...

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Saudi Arabia: Iran Must Pay for Alleged Plot

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Arabia has vowed that Iran must "pay the price" for an alleged scheme to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, as U.S. and British officials say they are discussing a push for a new round of sanctions against Tehran.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal, a former ambassador to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state>, said Wednesday the burden of proof was "overwhelming" and "clearly shows official Iranian responsibility" for the plot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The U.S. Justice Department has accused two Iranians of conspiring with elements of the Iranian government to kill the Saudi ambassador to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state>, Adel al-Jubeir.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Officials Tuesday identified one suspect as Manssor Arbabsiar, a holder of Iranian and <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> passports who was arrested at <st1:state w:st="on">New York</st1:state>'s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">John</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">F.</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Kennedy</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">International</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place> on September 29.<span>  </span>The officials named the second suspect as Gholam Shakuri, an Iran-based member of the Iranian Quds force who remains at large. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Britain</span></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">'s government said Wednesday it is consulting with the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> and others about imposing new sanctions against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region> for its role in the alleged assassination plot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">U.S.</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> officials said Wednesday they are working toward an international response to what U.S. Vice President Joe Biden called an "outrageous act."<span>  </span>U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice is in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state> individually briefing other U.N. Security Council members about the alleged plot. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Iran</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> has denied the plot accusations.<span>  </span><st1:country-region w:st="on">Iran</st1:country-region>'s ambassador to the United Nations has sent a letter to U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon voicing <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s outrage over the allegations.<span>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">In <st1:city w:st="on">Tehran</st1:city> Wednesday, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani called the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> accusations a "childish game."<span>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Iran</span></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">'s Press TV says <st1:city w:st="on">Tehran</st1:city> has summoned the Swiss diplomat about the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>' assassination allegations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">U.S.</span></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> interests are represented by the Swiss embassy in <st1:city w:st="on">Tehran</st1:city> because the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> does not have diplomatic relations with <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Officials say the arrested Iranian-American unknowingly hired an informant of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to carry out the plot, believing the informant had ties to Mexican drug cartels capable of killing the Saudi ambassador.<span>  </span>They say Arbabsiar confessed to making a $100,000 down payment on the scheme with a price tag of $1.5 million.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">A White House spokesman said President Barack Obama was first briefed on the issue in June and directed his administration to provide all necessary support to the investigation. Mr. Obama praised the disruption of the alleged attack as a "significant achievement." ---VOA News<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Saudi Arabia: Iran Must Pay for Alleged Plot

  Saudi Arabia has vowed that Iran must "pay the price" for an alleged scheme to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United ...

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Saudi government blames 'foreign country' for unrest

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">MOSCOW</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> (RIA Novosti) - The Saudi authorities have accused a "foreign country" of trying to undermine stability in the kingdom after 14 people were reported injured in clashes between police and protesters in the country's predominantly Shia Muslim-populated east.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Arabia</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> has confirmed that 11 security personnel and three civilians were injured in fighting in the eastern city of al-Qatif early on Monday. Other reports say 24 men and three women were wounded as police opened fire at protesters, The Independent newspaper said.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Analysts have interpreted the "foreign country" as a veiled reference to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Saudi Arabia</st1:country-region>'s regional rival, Shia-ruled <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iran</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The unrest reportedly began on Sunday in the Shia town of al-Awamiyah, when Saudi police arrested a 60-year-old man to force his son - an activist - to give himself up, the report said. The authorities said the violence broke out when police clashed with assailants who used automatic weapons and Molotov cocktails, Bloomberg said, quoting a Riyadh-based news service.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Arabia</span></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">, the world's largest oil supplier, has avoided the large-scale popular protests that toppled the leaders of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on">Tunisia</st1:country-region> earlier this year and continue in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Syria</st1:country-region>, but small protests were seen in the country's <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Shia-populated</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Eastern</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Province</st1:placetype></st1:place>, including Awwamiya and al-Qatif.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Saudi Arabia</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">'s Shia minority, who make up 10 percent of the kingdom's 23-million population, have long complained of discrimination against them by the fundamentalist Sunni Saudi authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

Saudi government blames 'foreign country' for unrest

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) - The Saudi authorities have accused a "foreign country" of trying to undermine stability in the kingdom af...

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SAUDI ARABIA PLEDGES USD 71.5 MILLION FOR GAZA HOUSING

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Palestinian-Refugee-Problem-1947-1949-Cambridge/dp/0521338891?ie=UTF8&tag=glob036-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem, 1947-1949 (Cambridge Middle East Library)" height="320" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0521338891&tag=glob036-20" width="208" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0521338891" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />GENEVA (NNN-KUNA) -- The UNRWA office here has announced that Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), will finance refugee housing in Rafah, Gaza, to the tune of USD 71.5 million.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An agreement to this effect has been signed in Riyadh by Youssef Al Bassam, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the SFD, and Filippo Grandi, Commissioner-General of UNRWA.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"The Rafah housing project, which began in 2005 but has been halted for over three years by the Israeli blockade, will be restarted following the announcement in July of a partial lifting of the blockade to allow a number of UNRWA housing and school projects to go ahead," said the UNRWA in a press release Friday. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The pledge of USD 71.5 million will cover completion of Phase 1 of the project, which is approximately one-quarter complete, and embarkation on a new Phase 2. Overall, the project will comprise a minimum of 1,500 houses and associated facilities including schools, health and social service facilities, roads, sewage and electricity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Politics-Denial-Palestinian-Refugee-Problem/dp/0745321208?ie=UTF8&tag=glob036-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Politics of Denial: Israel and the Palestinian Refugee Problem" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0745321208&tag=glob036-20" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Grandi said that "hundreds of refugee families who had their homes destroyed and who have been waiting<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0745321208" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> years for new homes will be delighted at this development. Many of them had been forced to live for years in deplorable conditions in full sight of their partly finished houses. An end to this dreadful situation is now at hand and we shall press ahead with implementation as fast as the limited crossings facilities for the importation of building materials from Israel into Gaza allow."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">UNRWA and the refugees are grateful to the leadership, government, and people of Saudi Arabia, and to the Saudi Fund, for their generous and consistent support, of which this important pledge is the latest example.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>

SAUDI ARABIA PLEDGES USD 71.5 MILLION FOR GAZA HOUSING

GENEVA (NNN-KUNA) -- The UNRWA office here has announced that Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), will finance refu...

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Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador from Syria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Kingdom-Modernists-Terrorists-Struggle/dp/B004R96U9A?ie=UTF8&tag=glob036-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Inside the Kingdom: Kings, Clerics, Modernists, Terrorists, and the Struggle for Saudi Arabia" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B004R96U9A&tag=glob036-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Land-Invisible-Women-Doctors-Journey/dp/1402210876?ie=UTF8&tag=glob036-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1402210876&tag=glob036-20" /></a><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1402210876" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />RIYADH (RIA Novosti) - Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador from Syria for<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004R96U9A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> consultations amid ongoing violent clashes between the Syrian government and protesters, Saudi Arabian media reported on Monday.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Saudi Arabia announces that it recalls its ambassador for consultations," King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz said.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The king called on the Syrian authorities "to stop the machine of murders and bloodshed... until it is not too late," adding that Saudi Arabia cannot justify the ongoing violence in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On Sunday, Syrian security forces backed by tanks launched fresh assaults on protesters, killing over 50 people and wounding dozens.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saudi-Arabia-Culture-essential-customs/dp/1857333519?ie=UTF8&tag=glob036-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Saudi Arabia - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1857333519&tag=glob036-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paramedic-Prince-Paramedics-Mysterious-ebook/dp/B004H8G5FA?ie=UTF8&tag=glob036-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Paramedic to the Prince: An American Paramedic's Account of Life Inside the Mysterious World of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B004H8G5FA&tag=glob036-20" /></a><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004H8G5FA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />The attack came hours after UN leader Ban Ki-moon told Syrian leader Bashar<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1857333519" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=glob036-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004H8G5FA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> al-Assad, who has been refusing to take his calls, to immediately end his deadly military campaign against opponents.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over 1,600 civilians have been killed and some 3,000 are missing since protests against the regime of President Assad began in March.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div>

Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador from Syria

RIYADH (RIA Novosti) - Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador from Syria for consultations amid ongoing violent clashes between the Syri...

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