Saudi Arabia responds

I would like to draw your attention to the article published in The Jakarta Post entitled Disaffection escalates in Saudi Arabia written by Gwynne Dyer, dated June 1.

We feel that an unintentional mistake occurred in publishing such an article, which resulted in hurting the Kingdom and its leaders at large, and the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Indonesia.

However, the development and progress that the Kingdom has achieved in various fields in recent years serves as a conclusive response to the allegations published in the article. As far as the terrorism issue is concerned, we believe that this issue does not concern the Kingdom alone, rather it's a global issue. By all accounts, it's a natural reaction to the practices and crimes committed by Israel's government in the region.

Thus, the Saudi government stands strong, united and committed to fighting and eradicating this strange phenomenon in our religion and land. The Saudi government will eradicate all these activities soon and will doubtless discover those who are behind them.

We believe that the article does not express the newspaper's views, but rather the writer's views, and we also believe in the right of freedom of expression for all. Yet, the freedom of expression should serve as an instrument of reform to narrow down the gap between different views and opinions, not as an instrument to criticize, attack, and spread lies and allegations that will be detrimental to the image and reputation of others.

We, the people and the government of Saudi Arabia, strongly believe in the freedom of the press, and welcome suggestions and constructive criticism based on solid facts and the laudable intention of seeking real reform, which the article referred to above lacks.

MOHAMMED FUAD JUSTANIAH Information Department Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Jakarta