In an exclusive interview on CNN's Global Exchange, Presenter John Defterios spoke to Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, to discuss oil and the increasing tensions in Syria. Transcript of the interview: Prince Turki: I think if we spend effort and time to implement a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, that will definitely not only bring Iran back, as you say, in to negotiations, but will eliminate all of the accoutrements that have come about as a result of this issue of enrichment and developing nuclear weapons. CNN Anchor, John Defterios: China has suggested as a member of the Security Council that additional sanctions are not the way to bring Iran back to the bargaining table; but the sanctions are pushing ahead with the European Union, US has isolated the Central Bank of Iran. Are you a supporter of the sanctions regime to bring them to the negotiating table? Prince Turki: The Kingdom has publicly said that we support sanctions; but the sanctions we support have to come from the Security Council – that's one aspect. I still insist that establishing the zone is a much preferable route for the world community to deal with this issue. Defterios: A week ago, in fact, on this program, Saudi Arabia offered to provide up to two and a half million barrels a day to the market if needed, if Iranian oil exports were targeted. Do you still stand by that position as the wisest position to fill that void of Iranian crude? Prince Turki Bin Faisal: The basic interests of the community, I think on the oil issue are twofold. One is to maintain a price level that is affordable by the world community, and not just by the rich nations. And secondly, to make sure that the poor countries in Africa, in Asia, in Latin America can afford their energy bill. So, if these two come together, then the Kingdom is happy. Defterios: Is it time, in your view, for China and Russia to negotiate in alignment with the United States and Europe around the Security Council decision to get to the bottom of where Iran is going with its nuclear developments? Prince Turki: If you take issues of Syria nowadays, issues like Iran, the pity of it is, that as these big powers negotiate, in some cases, as in Palestine let's say and as in Syria now, people are losing their lives. China and Russia, as well as the other members of the Security Council, have a responsibility to the interests of the world community. That's why they enjoy veto power. Issues like Iran require immediate attention. Defterios: The Arab League is suggesting that Bashar Al-Assad should step aside in two months and the coalition government should be formed. Is that realistic from your vantage point here in the Kingdom? Prince Turki: I think it should have been six months ago, not today. Before all the killing that has escalated to allow for the death of more than 6,000 Syrians. These are lives that have been lost, and Mr. Assad, if he has any sense of propriety, or moral – moral evaluation, he should leave yesterday, not in two months' time. Defterios: Is it time to put Arab boots on the ground and the Arab League lead that cause, since the observer mission in many respects failed. Is it time to ratchet up and put troops on the ground? Prince Turki: I do not know the modalities of whether the Arab world can do that. Defterios: Is there a consensus for that? Prince Turki: I don't think there is a consensus. There was hardly a consensus, much debated about…so putting boots on the ground I think will not have a full consensus of the Arab League members.
