In a statement issued after the weekly Cabinet meeting, the Kingdom also expressed deep concern over the lack of law and order in Iraq and warned that security problems in Iraqi cities could lead to a humanitarian crisis. “The Cabinet has reviewed reports about the situation in Iraq and the lack of security and stability which led to anarchy, looting and a shortage of water, food and medicine,” the statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency, said.

Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, who chaired the Cabinet meeting, expressed the government’s concern over the insecurity in Iraqi cities.

The Cabinet noted the looting of Iraqi historical sites and called for a restoration of “law and stability in Iraq as soon as possible, and for allowing the Iraqi people to choose a way to conduct their own affairs.”

Prince Abdullah yesterday discussed the situation in Iraq and Palestine with US President George W. Bush on the telephone, according to SPA.

Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy said the Cabinet meeting also approved unified regulations to license the economic and technical offices of foreign countries in the Kingdom. The meeting instructed the justice minister to hold talks with his Malaysian counterpart to conclude an agreement for judicial cooperation.

The Cabinet also instructed the relevant departments to take the necessary steps toward the GCC customs union on the basis of a previous decision taken by the GCC summit in Qatar.

Prince Saud ibn Thunayyan was appointed chairman of the board of directors of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and Muhammad Al-Madhi deputy chairman and managing director.