Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, gave SR5 million while Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, donated SR3 million.

The donations were announced during a telethon organized by Saudi Television which started at 5 p.m. yesterday. By the time Arab News went to press, the telethon had collected more than SR35 million in cash.

The telethon received good response from both Saudis and expatriates as a large number of people including children were seen lining up outside the television center to give their donations in cash and kind.

Interior Minister Prince Naif, who is supervisor of the Saudi Committee for the Relief of Iraqis, said with the campaign the Kingdom was doing its Islamic duty toward the Iraqi people who have been hit by three wars.

Prince Naif emphasized the importance of helping people in need as instructed by the Islamic teachings. “We all know the needs of the Iraqi people and we should be the first to help them,” the prince said.

Prince Naif expressed his hope that Iraq would return to the community of Arab and Islamic nations to play its natural role for their welfare and progress. He said the Kingdom would continue to support needy Muslims all over the world.

The Kingdom previously held fund-raising campaigns for Bosnians, Kosovars, Chechens and Afghans. “We will continue our humanitarian endeavor,” the prince said.

Prince Naif donated SR2 million to the fund while Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmad gave SR1 million.

Meanwhile, 12 Iraqi patients injured in the US-led war were airlifted to the Kingdom for treatment at Saudi hospitals in Riyadh.