Saudi Arabia responds

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