Saudi Arabian Government says no to use of bases
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September 30, 2001
BBC WORLD
The Saudi Arabian Government has ruled out the use of bases on its territory for American-led strikes against Afghanistan's ruling Taleban.
"We do not accept the presence in our country of a single solider at war with Muslims or Arabs," Saudi Defence Minister Prince Sultan was quoted as saying in a government-run newspaper on Sunday.
The prince dismissed as nonsense reports that Saudi authorities would allow Washington to use its bases to attack Afghanistan.
However, he did say Saudi airspace could still be used as his country's contribution. Full Articleiwon.com
Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Sultan said in remarks published on Sunday that the kingdom, a key U.S. ally, will not allow foreign forces to launch attacks from its territory against Arabs or Muslims.
The Arabic-language Okaz newspaper said Prince Sultan dismissed as "nonsense" reports that the oil-rich kingdom would allow U.S. forces to launch military action from a U.S. base on its territory against Afghanistan.
"We do not accept the presence in our country of a single soldier at war with Muslims or Arabs," it quoted the minister as saying during a visit to the northern Qassim region. Full Article[ SEPTEMBER HOMEPAGE ] [ AFGHAN HISTORY ]
