By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAMI | ARAB NEWS
Published: Mar 9, 2011 20:25 Updated: Mar 10, 2011 17:22
JEDDAH: Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia would not allow any foreign intervention in its internal affairs. He also reiterated the Kingdoms opposition to demonstrations, saying it would cause division and unrest in the country.
Well cut off the fingers of those who try to interfere in our internal matters and we reject dictates from any foreign party, be it small or big. Well also reject any move that would undermine the Kingdoms sovereignty, Prince Saud told reporters.
As we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, well not allow anybody to interfere in our internal affairs, the foreign minister said when asked about reports of Iranian instigation for demonstrations inside the Kingdom.
We hope Iran should be concerned more with demonstrations that are taking place there. In Saudi Arabia we dont have any demonstrations like in Iran. We would not tolerate any intervention in the Kingdoms affairs by any foreign party
If we find any foreign intervention well stop it immediately, he said.
Prince Saud indicated that the Saudi government was ready to bring about more reforms to meet the hopes and aspirations of its citizens. Change will come through the citizens of this country and not in accordance with the dictates of foreign parties, he insisted.
He highlighted the Kingdoms long history. Since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) our people have been living in this country. They know their interests and requirements and how to reach their objectives. We want to protect their independence and interests.
Speaking about anti-government protests in some Arab countries, Prince Saud said:
People are copying what is happening in another country. When they see someone raising a flag they follow him, he said. There are similarities in these events, but each one is different from the other, he said. He described Saudi Arabia as an open country. King Abdullah has instructed all officials that their doors should be open to all citizens to present their proposals and grievances.
Prince Saud also emphasized the importance of national dialogue that covers all groups of people in the country, allowing them to present their viewpoints on various issues. He emphasized the governments efforts to protect human rights and establish justice and equality. The best way to achieve all these objectives is dialogue, he said.
Asked whether the anti-government protests in some Arab countries were instigated by foreign forces, he said:
External intervention was very clear, but we cannot say whether it was the main reason or not. I think that every country had a different situation. There are people who believe in conspiracy theories. But I believe foreign forces have played their role in these events.
