INTERVIEW WITH PRINCE SULTAN IBN ABDUL AZIZ,
SECOND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND AVIATION AND INSPECTOR GENERAL

Interview with Asharq al-Aswat

24 August 2001

Excerpts

The Second Deputy Prime Minister has stated that Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome Iraq back into Arab fold. "We are ready to forget the past to overcome the present difficulties and we welcome Iraq's return into the Arab fold. We don't have anything against Iraq." Prince Sultan added that the Kingdom hopes that Iraq will implement the UN Security Council resolutions' He pointed out that Saudi Arabia's stand during the last Arab summit in Amman was in favor of the Iraqi people. "We have offered them everything and stood with them in all matters, but the Iraqi government rejected our initiatives," he added. The Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Aviation denied reports that military aircraft carrying out strikes on Iraq had set off from Saudi territory. Planes flying from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States are on air surveillance and security missions only.

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Q: The Iraqi regime in Baghdad is always accusing Saudi Arabia and Kuwait that US military aircraft carrying out strikes on Iraq set off from the American airbases in both countries.. you at the same time deny these allegations?

A: The truth is that there are two sides to this issue. The first is that planes flying from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are on air surveillance and security missions only. They are not at all allowed to conduct any military operations. Their aim is peace and they participate in the stability of the region. Previously they played a role in preventing the region from falling into conflicts when they discovered Iraqi military movements that were misunderstood and drew the Iraqi attention and succeeded to ask the other party for self - restrain. The other side of the issue is related to the forces that undertake military operations and these are not from the Kingdom and Iraq knows that very well, but unfortunately they think that they can hide the truth but this inflicts damages on them more than it does to the Kingdom.

Q: Is it possible that the Kingdom does not want to disclose that it takes part in these air sorties?

A: Why do we have to do that. We are clear, when we had to face them after the invasion of Kuwait we announced truthfully and clearly our intentions. So why do we hesitate today when the situation is much easier. This is unacceptable and untrue. The Kingdom has always adopted a clear policy and our citizens have grown accustomed to that. Even when planes are blown up because of a mistake we declare it. We have declared much more important issues in the most difficult situations. As for the American forces they can reach their targets from their naval bases in the Gulf or from their sites in Europe, the Atlantic Ocean or anywhere else.

Q: It has been said that Iraq in the last Arab summit held in Jordan in which you took part has withdrawn from signing a 9 points paper which was enough to resolve its crisis with Kuwait..Do we understand from that, the continuation of the strong Iraqi government stand and its refusal to recognize the independence of Kuwait and respects its borders and its sovereignty over its lands?

A: The position of the Kingdom in Amman Summit was more merciful to the Iraqi people than its leadership. We have offered them everything and stood with them in all matters, but the Iraqi government rejected our initiatives. All the Arabs even those who sympathize with Iraq were surprised by the Iraqi position. For us recognizing the sovereignty of Kuwait does not touch Iraq or its dignity, it is only a proof of goodwill and support to solve the situation. We pray to God to grant them the right guidance.

Q: It seems that Iraq wants the Arabs to work for lifting the sanctions..Do you feel worried about lifting the sanctions imposed on Iraq?

A: If Iraq wants the Arabs to work for lifting the sanctions, why does it refuse the recommendations that would have put an end to the present situation! If Iraq had listened to the advises of its brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia war would have been avoided, if it listened to the Saudi advises the sanctions would not have lasted for more than a year or two. Saudi Arabia has absolutely no interest in imposing sanctions against Baghdad or creating any political and military tension, on the contrary Saudi Arabia has presented the recommendations to help Iraq and Iraq refused them.

Q: It is noted that there is an Arab political and popular feeling of sympathy with Iraq. Is the Kingdom in favour of the idea of forgetting the past, overcoming the present difficulties and welcoming Iraq back in the Arab fold?

A: We are ready to forget the past and to overcome the present difficulties. We welcome Iraq's return into the Arab fold. We don't have anything against Iraq. The Kingdom hopes that Iraq implements the UN Security Council resolutions.

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