Saudi Arabia called yesterday on the Palestinians to cast aside their differences and close ranks during the difficult circumstances they are facing currently. The appeal was made by the Council of Ministers which met in Jeddah under the chairmanship of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd. "The Cabinet underscored the importance of the Palestinian people displaying solidarity, especially in these difficult circumstances, uniting and reaching a common view," said a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat yesterday named a new Palestinian security chief replacing a cousin whom he appointed to the post one day earlier. However, he failed to persuade Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei to retract his resignation. The chaotic security situation in Gaza and the political impasse with Qorei were seen as fast developing into the most serious challenge to Arafat since he returned to the Palestinian territories from exile some 10 years ago. Dr. Ali Al-Namlah, minister of social affairs and acting minister of culture and information, said after the meeting that the Cabinet called on the international community to rein in Israel to put an end to Israel's intransigence and continued aggression against the Palestinian people. The Cabinet called for reinstating the role of the United Nations in Iraq to help restore peace and stability to the country. King Fahd briefed the Cabinet on the discussions and contacts he held with world leaders over the past week on regional and international issues. The Cabinet also called for rationalizing the consumption of electricity and water in the Kingdom with the summer months driving the consumption to maximum levels. |