JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia yesterday emphasized the need to establish an international counterterrorism center as quickly as possible in order to strengthen global cooperation and coordination to combat terrorism. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, expressed the need while discussing the terrorist rampage in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, which killed and injured hundreds of innocent people.
“The Council denounced the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and conveyed its condolences to the victims’ families as well as to the government and people of India,” the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.
“Saudi Arabia has always called for confronting terrorism through international cooperation,” SPA said quoting the Cabinet. King Abdullah proposed the counterterrorism center while opening an international anti-terror conference in Riyadh three years ago.
In addition, the Cabinet addressed the issue of growing domestic violence in the country and instructed the Ministry of Social Affairs to draft a comprehensive national strategy to deal with the problem. The ministry was also asked to open social protection centers in some provinces, prepare a media plan to enhance public awareness and conduct workshops for experts.
The Cabinet urged the Ministry of Education to include topics in the academic curriculum stressing the importance of tolerance and of not resorting to violence. Agencies entrusted with the task of social protection have been instructed to carry out their duties effectively.
The Cabinet meeting also reviewed the preparations for the annual pilgrimage that begins on Dec. 6. “Saudi Arabia treats all pilgrims equally,” the Cabinet said and urged all Haj-related agencies to extend quality services to the Guests of God.
King Abdullah briefed the ministers on the outcome of his talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and emphasized Riyadh’s desire to strengthen relations with France and the European Union (EU). The Cabinet hoped that France and EU would play an effective role in achieving a just and comprehensive settlement of all issues in the region, especially the Palestinian issue. “We also look forward to the role of EU countries in confronting financial crisis and global economic depression.”
Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani said the Cabinet agreed to establish diplomatic relations with Paraguay at the level of a nonresident ambassador. Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal will sign an agreement in this respect. The Cabinet also endorsed the agreement with Germany to avoid double taxation.
The meeting licensed the establishment of the Gulf General Insurance Company. It urged the Ministry of Labor to instruct all organizations that have more than 100 employees to pay salaries by direct deposit into banks.
P.K. Abdul Ghafour .
source:Arab News
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