Force Israel to pull out, Fahd tells US

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia yesterday urged the United States to force Israel to withdraw its forces from areas under the Palestinian Authority as demanded by President George W. Bush and warned any delay in the pullout will only damage the credibility of the US and the Security Council.

“Applying no pressure on Israel to honor the US demand for an immediate withdrawal and international resolution will cause serious damage to the credibility of the United States and the Security Council,” the Council of Ministers said following a weekly meeting.

The Cabinet, which was chaired by King Fahd, also said that the US apathy would embolden the Jewish state to continue its crimes of murder, expulsion and general oppression of women, children and the elderly in Palestine.

King Fahd told the meeting that by continuing its aggression and horrific massacres, Israel has proved its unwillingness to bow to the will of the international community. He said Israel was committing the most brutal form of war crimes.

The Cabinet denounced Israel’s delaying tactics and its non-compliance with the UN resolutions, defying the international community. “The continuation of Israeli aggression and massacres in the occupied Palestinian territories are all flagrant violations of human rights and international resolutions,” it added.Arab News