Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday called on warring Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah to stand united on the basis of the Makkah Accord to save themselves from self-destruction. "The Palestinians have reached an abyss. Either they turn back or suffer the consequences of falling into it," he said. He also emphasized Riyadh's efforts in support of the Palestinian issue. "We are working with the Arab League on this matter," he said when asked about the Kingdom's efforts to end the latest bout of Palestinian infighting. However, he pointed out that all efforts would go in vain if the Palestinian leaders themselves refuse to reconcile to protect their national interests.
Prince Saud made this comment while talking to Saudi editors and members of the Saudi media at the residence of Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Al-Asheikh in Paris. The foreign minister arrived at the venue promptly at the stroke of one, elegantly attired in a beige suit. He was in a relaxed mood despite a strenuous tour. Prince Saud is part of the high-level delegation that is accompanying Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in his current five-nation tour, which has already taken him to Spain and France.