Posted on 02/14/2006 12:49:20 AM PST by kipita
JEDDAH, 14 February 2006 — Saudi Arabia yesterday called upon all countries and governments to join hands in the efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence of civilizations and respect for the sanctities of all religions.
The Council of Ministers, chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, also opposed violence while protesting sacrilegious cartoons depicting the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Culture and Information Minister Iyad Madani said the Cabinet made the comment while discussing repercussions caused by the publication of the insulting cartoons in Danish and other European dailies, triggering a wave of protests across the Muslim world.
“The Cabinet stressed that belief in and respect for all prophets and messengers of God is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and is the basis of a Muslim’s faith,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted Madani as saying.
“Saudi Arabia expects that all countries, governments and private organizations stand one in respecting nations’ sanctities, support coexistence of civilizations and understand special attributes of other cultures,” the Cabinet statement said.
Riyadh commended all governments who had taken a positive stand on this issue, condemning the provocative cartoons. “The Islamic world is able to protect its sanctities, its identity and special attributes as it did in the past, without causing any harm to others or violating their honors,” it added.
The weekly Cabinet meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh also addressed a number of international and domestic issues. It blasted the continuing Israeli aggression despite Palestinian commitment to a cease-fire.
The Cabinet approved new laws that regulate activities of the General Survey Authority and its organizational structure. It said the Saudi Geological Survey would retain its equipment for survey and aerial photography.
The meeting made another important decision to strengthen Saudi-Russian relations. It authorized the minister of finance to hold talks with his Russian counterpart to sign an agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion.
What a joke coming from Saudi Arabia and their proven coexistence and respect of all religions. (sarc)
Outstanding reminder re TROP...
I wonder if the Chabad guys wanna go in too.
I will believe what this Saudi says when I can bring my bible into his country and find a church to worship in. Until then, this is just so much hot air.
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