RIYADH: The Cabinet welcomed Monday the GCC invitation to the Yemeni government and opposition parties to meet in the Kingdom and resolve their issues. The move, announced by the GCC ministerial council in its extraordinary session in Riyadh Sunday, seeks to “preserve the unity of Yemen, bring security and stability, and meet the aspirations of its people”. The Cabinet also underlined statements from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Muslim World League (MWL) condemning Iranian interference in the internal affairs of GCC countries, further citing the MWL-held International Forum for Muslim Scholars and Thinkers which “deplored Iranian interference in the domestic affairs of GCC states to incite sedition among the people in those countries”. The Cabinet noted that the forum described Iran's actions as “contravening the faith and leading to differences, conflicts and weakening of the Ummah”. Chairing the weekly Cabinet Monday, King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, reviewed with ministers the situation in occupied Palestinian territories and strongly condemned Israel for escalating hostilities against the Palestinian people, “in particular the land and air raids on Gaza Strip which killed and injured dozens of innocent unarmed Palestinians”. Ministers also denounced the decision by the Israeli government to build hundreds of residential units in occupied Jerusalem and appealed to the international community to “fulfill its responsibilities and intervene immediately to put pressure on Israel to cease its continued atrocities and flagrant war against the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights”. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency after the meeting, Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, said the Cabinet described the Kingdom and its Islamic position and status as “a fundamental partner in promoting global peace and conditions for a world that can enjoy stability, security and peace while maintaining respect for the cultures of nations and peoples”. In domestic business, Khoja said ministers reviewed a range of cultural and tourist activities taking place across the country, headed by Al-Janadriya Festival, due to be opened by King Abdullah Wednesday. “The King's patronage of the festival reflects the great significance the leadership gives to the progress of culture and creativity both in the Kingdom and beyond,” Khoja said.
