RIYADH – The Council of Ministers has condemned Iran's continued violations and breaches of international conventions and treaties pertaining to its nuclear program. The Cabinet session was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace here on Tuesday. Minister of Media Turki Al-Shabanah told Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the Cabinet welcomed the joint ministerial statement of the three European countries, which are parties to the agreement and the representative of the European Union, as well as the decision of the United States to end the exemption of Iran's Fordow nuclear plant from sanctions. The Cabinet stressed the need for the international community to take a firm position toward Iran's violations which are undermining global peace and security. Congratulating the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the 50th anniversary of its foundation, the Cabinet appreciated the pan-Islamic organization and its affiliated bodies and all their staff for their efforts in serving and defending the causes of the Islamic World and achieving the overall objectives of enhancing cooperation among the member states to become a model for joint Islamic action in various fields. Al-Shabanah said the Cabinet viewed that OIC, through its march all through these years, has turned to be the uniform voice of the Islamic World and sought to protect the interests of the Islamic World until it became the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations. At the outset of the session, the Cabinet stressed the valuable contents in the monarch's inaugural speech at the Shoura Council, citing the salient features of the Kingdom's domestic and foreign policies. The speech also highlighted the Kingdom's approach toward implementing and adhering to the Islamic Shariah principles on the basis of unity, solidarity and consultation, establishing justice and independence of decision, maintaining security and stability, and continuing the comprehensive development process. The King also mentioned in his speech about the Kingdom's pride in achieving huge developments over the past decades, and its determination to move forward in the implementation of reform programs, in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Cabinet also commended the highlights of the King's speech about the Kingdom's commitment to the established principles and international conventions defending Arab and Islamic issues, especially the Palestinian cause, consolidating the Kingdom's standing in the Arab and Islamic World, its endeavors and efforts to advance the joint Arab action, as well as in resolving crises and differences in the region. The speech also showed the Kingdom's important roles in the global economy; its policy in the stability of the international oil markets; its honor in the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques and the development of Holy Sites with projects that are considered the largest in history; serving and caring for the two Holy Mosques; taking care of everything that achieves the comfort of citizens and improving the quality of services provided to them, and its pride in eliminating extremism in all its manifestations. Al-Shabanah said the Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's total rejection of the US administration's statements on the settlements in the West Bank, affirming that Israel's construction of settlements is contrary to the international law as well as international legitimacy resolutions. The Council reaffirmed that achieving lasting peace requires the full realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the international legitimacy resolutions. Al-Shabanah said the Cabinet appreciated the King's laying the foundation stone of the Diriyah Gate Project to renovate the Historic Area as a cultural heritage project, and to return it to its ancient glory and to be an international tourist and cultural destination that embodies the march of the Kingdom since the establishment of the first Saudi state. The Cabinet hailed the unlimited support of the wise leadership in the fields of culture and cooperation with countries to promote peace and dialogue, pointing in this context to the Kingdom's winning of a seat in the Executive Council of UNESCO, saying that it confirms the Kingdom's international status and role in building peace and contributing effectively to the establishment of the principles of culture. The Cabinet referred to the opening of Saudi Cultural Exhibition in Paris organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Royal Commission for the province of Al-Ula, and the Misk Institute of Arts, to promote global cultural exchange coinciding with the International Forum of Ministers of Culture 2019.
