Javid Hassan & Abdulaziz Al-Hendi

RIYADH, 20 March 2004 — US Secretary of State Colin Powell said here last night he was satisfied the Kingdom was doing its best to stamp out terrorism. But in talks with Saudi leaders he also raised US concerns over the arrests of several Saudi reformists.

Powell, who arrived here from Kuwait after an unannounced visit to Baghdad, was speaking at a press conference with Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal at the Riyadh Airbase. Powell held talks with Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, and Prince Saud.

Powell congratulated the Kingdom on its efforts to combat terror. He also said he expressed concern over the detention of some 10 reformists during his talks with Prince Abdullah and Prince Saud. “We have concerns when people who are trying to express their views, and do it in an open and democratic way, are not able to do so,” Powell said.

Responding to Powell’s statement, Prince Saud said: “Friends can discuss anything. From our point of view what happened was something that concerns this country.”

The reformists “sowed dissension when the country was looking for unity and a clear vision, especially at a time when it is facing the terrorist assault,” he said. “They did so by using the names of reputable and respected people who objected. So these people were asked to come for questioning. Those who promised that they would not use the names of other people were immediately released. The others... are going to be turned over to the legal courts to see what needs to be done about them.”

Powell appeared conciliatory on President Bush’s controversial “Greater Middle East Initiative” which seeks democracy in the region. “We have the means to develop the strategy for democracy in this region. We have ideas and experience as well as the means to help bring about credible reforms, but the reform has to come from within the region,” Powell said.