The Kingdom has expressed its grave concern over escalating violence in Syria which continues to claim the lives of innocent civilians. The Cabinet meeting here Monday, presided over by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, also stressed the need for the immediate cessation of bloodshed and for speeding up the process of finding a peaceful and negotiated political solution to the crisis in Syria. The ministers reviewed the efforts exerted by the Arab League and other regional and international organizations to resolve the crisis and expressed their appreciation for the Arab League's decision to halt its observer mission in response to the continued crackdown on anti-regime protesters in several Syrian cities. Dr. Yousuf Bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, Minister of Social Affairs and Acting Culture and Information Minister, said the Cabinet reviewed several regional and international efforts on Syria and lauded the recent fourth joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Turkey. The meeting, the ministers said, reflected the solid relations between the two sides and the mutual desire for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The meeting in Istanbul will have a positive impact on the region's peace and stability, the ministers said. Al-Othaimeen said King Abdullah briefed the ministers on his overall consultations and contacts with leaders of friendly countries this week. The talks mainly dealt with developments in the region and the world. The ministers also referred to the visits undertaken by the Kingdom's delegations to some of the major cities of the world. Recently Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Minister of Justice visited Washington and Tawfeeq Al-Rabeah, Minister of Commerce and Industry, led the Kingdom's delegation to Geneva to revise the Kingdom's trade policies in the World Trade Organization. The Cabinet also appreciated the opening of the Haj exhibition at the British Museum in London. The ministers also discussed some local issues on the agenda. They approved the restructuring of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Wildlife Commission. Accordingly, the president of the commission now becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors and the board will have members from the ministries of interior, defense, foreign affairs, municipal and rural affairs, agriculture, Presidency of Meteorology and Environment and Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. In addition, four members will be appointed by the Cabinet. Members are appointed for a three-year term which is renewable. The members' ranks should not be below Grade 14. The Council also authorized Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister, or whomever he authorizes, to hold discussions with Afghanistan on a draft for general cooperation. The members approved the final accounts of the government for the fiscal years 1426-27 and 1427-28 Hijra and approved a number of new appointments in Grade 14 and 15.
