King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, receives at his palace in Jeddah Monday evening Prince Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, and the emirs of regions on the occasion of their annual meeting. — SPA JEDDAH – The Council of Ministers warned against the deteriorating situation in Syria as a result of the continuing carnage, killings and violence and the increasing number of displaced civilians. The Cabinet, chaired by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, late Monday night demanded the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to put an end to the ongoing massacre of the Syrian people being committed by the Assad regime. It commended the massive response by Saudi citizens and expatriates to the National Campaign to raise funds to support Syrian brethren, as directed by the King and expressed hope that such a campaign would help meet the basic needs of the Syrian people and mitigate their suffering. A five-day fundraising campaign raised more than $72.33 million. The campaign also collected food, medical equipment, clothes, tents, blankets, and jewelry as part of its drive to support the people of Syria. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency (SPA) following the Cabinet session, Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, said the Council of Ministers reviewed a number of reports on regional, Arab and international developments, including a report on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Cabinet noted Israel's orchestrated practices aiming to change the geography and demography of Al-Quds, and its ongoing violations of international law, its failure to abide by its pledges to stop settlements and the blockade it has imposed on the Palestinian people. The Cabinet was briefed by Prince Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, on the results of the 19th annual meeting of regional emirs. The Minister of Interior stressed that the emirs follow the King's directives to serve citizens and meet their needs. The Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the exchange of information relevant to money laundering and terror financing between the Saudi Financial Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Interior and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in the US. It also approved a memorandum of understanding on exchanging information and investigations relating to money laundering and terrorist financing between the Saudi Financial Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Interior and the Financial Investigation Unit of the Serious Organized Crime Agency (UK Financial Investigation Unit). The Cabinet approved, in principle, to allocate SR1.4 billion for the implementation of the basic requirements at Al-Aqeer Project site in Al-Ahsa. SR1 billion of these funds will be appropriated for the delivery of the necessary power in accordance with the preliminary studies and SR400 million for the provision of water and sanitation. Meanwhile, the King received Prince Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior, and the emirs of regions on the occasion of their annual meeting. The Monarch urged the emirs to fear Allah Almighty, care for the interests of citizens and expatriates, strive to meet their needs, work to achieve balanced development in all regions of the Kingdom, and follow up on projects implemented by various sectors. – SG/SPA
