Khalid Al-Fares Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH – Prince Mite'b Bin Abdullah, Commander of the National Guard, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet, said that the National Guard and other security personnel will take firm and decisive action against anyone considering undermining the security and stability of the country. “We'll protect our national security at all costs. This is a red line that should not be crossed. We will not allow anyone to disrupt our unity or weaken our security and we'll defend this country with our hearts and souls and all that we possess. We'll take strict measures against anyone who attempts anything along these lines.” Prince Mite'b also said that the citizens are united with their leadership in this matter. “Those attempting to create rifts will leave no stone unturned, and try by any means necessary to undermine this unity and harmony and cause splits between the citizens and the government. But they will never be able to achieve this goal because we have courageous men who will rise to the occasion and do whatever it takes to protect this country.” Prince Mite'b said he would like to reassure all citizens that the leadership has been working day and night to build a brilliant and promising future for its people. “We are strong believers and we fear no one but Allah the Almighty.” Regarding the new 20,000 vacancies created in the National Guard, Prince Mite'b said this was in line with the directives of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, which is designed to develop the strength of the various security organs of the country. This action was unrelated to recent acts of strife. He stated that the government seeks to develop all its military sectors without exception. When asked whether the government had plans to deploy National Guard units in the country's southern region, Prince Mite'b said that the National Guard has, within its units, personnel who hail from the south. “These personnel have proved to be competent and loyal. There are plans to redistribute units differently in the regions,” he replied. Regarding increasing the number of brigades, Prince Mite'b said King Abdullah's directives were clear and called for providing strong and effective security levels all over the Kingdom. “We're working in line with these directives so that everyone in the Kingdom can feel secure and comfortable. We are working to establish very high-quality headquarters that live up to the high expectations of King Abdullah. God willing, all our actions will meet the plans of the leadership.” On his expectations and future plans for the National Guard, Prince Mite'b said, “King Abdullah hopes to make the National Guard as advanced and sophisticated as other similar security institutions around the world.” Prince Mite'b also talked about the length waiting periods for patients seeking treatment at National Guard hospitals. “This (the long waiting periods) is because a large number of citizens come to us and want to be treated at National Guard hospitals. Citizens have the right to receive treatment at these hospitals just like military personnel.” Prince Mite'b stated his commitment to the directives of King Abdullah at the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers. “Every week the King repeats that citizens have rights and we should listen to them and open our doors and meet their demands. He always calls upon us to shoulder our responsibilities toward citizens.” When asked about the number of the National Guard personnel members, Prince Mite'b said that all citizens were part of the National Guard in safeguarding their country. “There are 27 million men, women and children in the National Guard.” Prince Mite'b advised the media to be vigilant with what they publish because the enemies of the country often manipulate news and use it against the Kingdom.
