Al-Faisal: war against Iraq will lead to a vacuum, disorder
Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 1/8/2003

Saudi Arabia stressed yesterday it will not join in a likely American war against Iraq, rather it placed a set of conditions, including that the request of taking part in the military operations has to come from the UN which has to show evidence on Iraq's violations of the UN resolutions.

He added that the final say to this effect is by Riyadh which will take the decision according to "our national interests." In a press conference he held in the capital Riyadh yesterday, the Saudi foreign minister said "we will not joint a war against Iraq at an American or British request."

He added "If the UN Security Council adopts a resolution based on the 7th article of the UN charter to launch a war in Iraq, then all UN member states will be invited to carry out what it is requested, except taking part in a military activity against Iraq." Al-Faisal continued "if the UN asks Saudi Arabia to join this war on the ground of flagrant violations of the UN security council resolution no. 1441, we will take the decision that goes along with our national interests."

Al-Faial expressed his hope that the Iraqi political situation will be helpful in the possibility of reaching a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

He said that the "danger of a military action is great and exists, and Saudi Arabia and the Arab states are making their best efforts to solve this problem peacefully." Al-Faisal stressed that "the peaceful solution is the best, in any way, by a 100%, because if the war erupts no body knows where it will lead to." He said that the "military action is dangerous and when it comes it destroys every thing, and might lead to vacuum and disorder." Al-Faisal said if there will be a change in the Iraqi government it should be "systematic and in the framework of an Iraqi desire and independent decision."

Previous Stories:
  Riyadh denies any obligations to the American forces in fighting Iraq; security council tightens sanctions on Iraq   (12/31/2002)
  The Times: Saudi Arabia allows Washington use its air bases in war against Iraq   (12/31/2002)
  New York Times: Saudi Arabia will permit US to use its airspace to attack Iraq   (12/30/2002)

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