We held frank discussion on detentions; Powell: our relations with Riyadh are strong
Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 3/20/2004

The US Secretary Of State Colin Powell sought to contain the tension in the relations between Washington and Riyadh. He expressed after his meeting with the Crown Prince Abdullah in a short visit for Riyadh on Friday " his concern" over detaining 10 reformers, five of them are still under detention, but he was careful to stress that "relations" between the two countries are strong, and we are united against the war on terrorism."

At a time when the Saudi foreign minister Prince al-Faisal stressed that " what had happened is a matter belongs to our country," noting that the detainees " implanted sedition while the whole country is looking forward towards unity." Powell also tried to eliminate the Saudi and Arab fears of the "initiative for a Greater Middle East" and stressed that the reform operation " should come from inside the region."

In a joint press conference with al-Faisal after his talks with crown prince Abdullah, Powell said he had "expressed his concern over the detention of reformers. He added "we have fears when there are persons trying to express their views and making this in an open and democratic way, and are unable to do that." He continued " we have made a good and frank and open discussion on this matter." Powell reiterated that "relations" between the two countries are "strong and we are united" against the war against terrorism.

For his part, al-Faisal said " what had happened is matter affiliates to our country." He added "those persons have implanted sedition while the whole country was looking for unity and a clear vision, especially at a time when it faces a terrorist threats." Last Thursday Riyadh expressed its regret from Washington after criticizing the campaign of arrest which took place on Tuesday, considering that it is an internal matter and of concern to the Kingdom only.

The supporters of the detainees said that the detention was made because of their call to establish a constitutional monarchy and planning to issue a statement criticizing the state's human rights commission which was approved and established recently.

Powell was asked about the initiative for "a Greater Middle East " and he answered that the reforms should come from "inside the region." He added "that each and every country has to search for its own way and follow this way according to its pace or rate." He added that the US is ready to help. For his part, al-Faisal said that the changes in Saudi Arabia including the plans to make municipal elections in this year were made with the objective to " respond to the needs of this country." He added "It ( Saudi Arabia) does not do that with the aim to get a certificate for good behavior." He continued " reform is a local matter.. the time of its implementation is linked to what can be achieved according to consensus that can be attained from this reform." Powell commended the campaign launched by the Saudi authorities against Islamists activists after a wave of suicide attacks in Riyadh in 2003 over which responsibility was put on al-Qaida organization. Powell spoke of the " real success ( which was achieved) recently in overcoming the terrorist cell." He continued " a number of very important persons were recently killed among those who had implanted terrorism not only in Saudi Arabia but in other areas of the world."

The Saudi news agency said that Crown Prince Abdullah received Powell and members of the accompanying delegation in Riyadh yesterday evening. The agency added that Powell conveyed to crown prince Abdullah " greetings and appreciation of President George W. Bush while the crown prince asked Powell to convey his greetings and appreciation to President Bush." It added " regional and international developments were reviewed during the meeting in concern to relations between the two countries." Powell had arrived to Saudi Arabia coming from Kuwait following a visit to Iraq, and he arrived earlier in the region on Thursday morning following a tour in southern Asia covering India, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Previous Stories:
  Washington describes Saudi Arabia detention of reformers as regretted   (3/18/2004)
  New American ambassador arrives in Saudi Arabia   (2/6/2004)
  Washington lifts immunity from 16 Saudis   (1/29/2004)

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