sq-km industrial city will be established in the Northern Border province. Moreover, 150 square kilometers of land has been allotted to a Maaden Company for Phosphate Industries project and other projects linked to it in the Umm Wa'al area. The Council of Ministers, presided over by King Abdullah, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, here Monday gave the go-ahead for the Wa'd Al-Shimal City for Mining Industries in the Northern Border province and the Maaden project. The city will have all the necessary infrastructure for industry and social facilities in order to attract other processing industries. The Cabinet assigned the General Investment Fund and Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) to link Wa'd Al-Shimal City to the northern and southern railway projects. The two organizations have also been asked to provide the necessary locomotives to transport the phosphoric acid, raw sulfur and the products of other projects from and to Wa'd Al-Shimal City for Mining Industries besides setting up a station for passengers in the city. Apart from this, the Cabinet ordered the Saudi Electricity Company to construct a high voltage network in the city including a transformation station. It also ordered the General Seaport Authorities to construct three quays in Ras Al-Khair. Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, said the Monarch briefed the Council on his meetings with A.K. Antony, Indian Minister of Defense. The Council, Dr. Khoja said, expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Syria and appealed to the international community to take decisive steps to end the violence there. The Council also referred to the progress achieved in the development projects being carried out by different sectors in the Kingdom's various regions. Dr. Khoja said the Monarch has directed all concerned agencies to ensure that all projects are completed in due time and with perfection. The Council gave the go-ahead to the minister of finance or whomever he authorizes to sign a draft protocol to dissolve the International Union for Customs Tariffs and submit the final signed copy for completing the necessary procedures. The Council also approved recommendations made by the minister of housing for amending the Council's decision granting authority for the approval of loans to women from the Real Estate Development Fund. It also approved a number of appointments at grade 14 and 15.
