The Kingdom Monday played down suggestions it could encourage China not to block sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program by giving Beijing oil supply guarantees. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs after talks with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Beijing needed no prodding from Riyadh over how to deal with Iran in the UN Security Council. The Chinese “carry their responsibility” as one of the major world powers and “they need no suggestion from Saudi Arabia to do what they ought to do,” Prince Saud said at a joint news conference with Clinton in Riyadh. He was questioned about suggestions that Saudi Arabia could provide oil supply guarantees to China to win Beijing's support for sanctions sought by Washington against Iran over its controversial nuclear program. “Sanctions are a long-term solution (but) ... we see the issue in the shorter term because we are closer to the threat,” Prince Saud said. “If we want security for the region, it requires an Iran at peace and happy with themselves,” he added. He said that the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions demands a more immediate solution than sanctions. Clinton said that “increasingly, more and more aspects of Iranian society ... are being controlled not by the clerical leadership, not by the political leadership” but by the Revolutionary Guards. She warned earlier that Iran was turning into a “military dictatorship” bent on building a nuclear bomb. Clinton said: “Iran's action toward the development of nuclear weapons is increasingly disturbing. Iran's response to the efforts of 5 plus 1 group to settle the nuclear row with international community was disturbing.” She went on to say that Iran's actions are provocative and would only result in increasing its isolation from the international community. “International community's solidarity is crucial against the current position of the Iranian government,” she said. Clinton said the US commitment for a viable Palestinian state would be based on 1967 borders and as well as secured and recognized state of Israel. “King Abdullah's peace initiative should be central for any future long-lasting and comprehensive peace between the Arabs and Israelis,” Clinton said. She said Saudi Arabia and the US share common goals and aspirations since both countries are target of terrorism. “The US appreciates the Kingdom's efforts in fight against terrorism,” she said. Clinton admired Prince Saud's description of terrorism as an “align culture,” which she said is “unique and excellent.” While appreciating the Kingdom's stand for peace and stability in the region Clinton said: “We appreciate the Kingdom's continued consultation on all aspects that can bring peace and stability in the region.”Asked to comment on Saudi women Clinton said she has a number of Saudi friends with whom she will meet while in Jeddah for Jeddah Economic Forum. “Fortunately, I have several women groups to discuss all kinds of issues,” she said.
