Saudi defends Iran links ahead of Bush visit

Source: Reuters

RIYADH, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it was determined to maintain good relations with Iran despite U.S. President George W. Bush's efforts to rally Gulf Arab allies to contain the Islamic Republic.

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"We'll listen to everything the president says. He can raise any issue he likes. We're a neighbour to Iran in the Gulf, which is a small area, so we're keen for harmony and peace among countries in the area," Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal told a news conference.

"We have relations with Iran and we talk with them, and if we felt any danger we have relations that allow us to talk about it. So we welcome any issue the president (Bush) raises and we will discuss them from our point of view."

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"This region is very sensitive, and sensitive for the world economy in particular," he said. (Editing by Sami Aboudi)



Read more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L09493830.htm

Source: Reuters

RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it was determined to maintain good relations with Iran despite U.S. President George W. Bush's efforts to rally Gulf Arab allies to contain the Islamic Republic.

Bush arrived in Israel on Wednesday at the start of a regional tour that will bring him to Gulf Arab countries including Saudi Arabia next week.

Bush who hopes to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, has said he would try to enlist Arab support for containing Iran, a goal underscored by a confrontation between American and Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in the weekend.

"We'll listen to everything the president says. He can raise any issue he likes. We're a neighbor to Iran in the Gulf, which is a small area, so we're keen for harmony and peace among countries in the area," Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal told a news conference.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0949383020080109

That's Saudi Arabia, not Super America...