Saud Al Faisal: The Counterterrorism Conference

HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal Comments on Conference with optimism for the Future

HRH Prince Saud said that delegates to Counterterrorism International Conference “agreed that any counterterrorism attempt will fall short unless it is part of a collective effort on the part of the international community”. HRH Prince Saud added that “The delegates also agreed that any counterterrorism attempt will fall short unless it is part of a collective effort on the part of the international community,” he said. “They also called for an international strategy to combat terror through a unified and comprehensive system for exchanging information,” he added. “The crown prince’s call for establishing an international center for combating terrorism has been commended and welcomed by various countries.”

In describing the conference, HRH Prince Saud said that the Counterterrorism International Conference dealt with four major issues, including the ideology of terrorism, terrorism and drugs, past experiences and terrorist groups and organizations. HRH said that major international organizations agree that terror attacks in Saudi Arabia have not constituted a major threat to the Kingdoms stability or economy.

Prince Saud stressed that the conference will concentrate on implementing major procedures globally to combat terrorism. “The conference will discuss ideas and opinions related to anti-terror campaigns,” Prince Saud said. “Therefore, we have invited countries that have past experience in dealing with terrorism.”

When asked about US President George Bush’s recent remarks directed toward the Kingdom, Prince Saud observed that friendly countries normally exchange advice freely. “When we advise the United States to change its policies in the Middle East, that does not mean we have anything against them,” he said. The prince also noted that all President Bush did was express his hopes and ambitions “just as we express our hopes and aspirations.”

Prince Saud assured all that the Kingdom’s goal is to eradicate terrorism — not just to polish the country’s image. Referring to recent incidents in Kuwait, the prince stressed that there is great cooperation between the GCC countries, and that they all exchange information. “What happened in Kuwait proves that the means of cooperation is strong between the GCC countries,” he said. “The terrorists were caught before accomplishing any major attack,” he said.

In closing remarks, Prince Saud stressed that finding ways to resolve the Palestinian issue would help decrease terror attacks in the region.

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