Riyadh for Iraq's return to Arab fold, saudi official

Saudi Arabia welcomes the return of Iraq within the Arab fold and is ready to forget the past and overcome the present situation, said Saudi minister of defense and aviation, Prince Soltane Ibn Abdelaziz.

"We have no rancor against Iraq," Prince Soltane who is also 2nd Vice-President of the ministers council and inspector of the Saudi Armed forces, told London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily.

The Saudi official expressed hope that Iraq would alleviate the sufferings of its people through the implementation of the Security Council resolutions. He said Saudi Arabia has no interest whatsoever that sanctions be maintained against the Iraqi people or that the political and military situation get worse.

He denied that Saudi Arabia was the base for military operations against Iraq. The mission of the aircraft operating in the region, including those stationed in Saudi Arabia is limited to air control to ensure security in the region. These crafts are banned from conducting any military maneuver, Prince Soltane said.