a-vis the Iranian nuclear issue, the statement said Britain works closely with Saudi Arabia as regards the common fears about this nuclear program. It lauded Saudi Arabia vital role as regards fighting terrorism, and said it is an important partner of the UK in this respect. The statement said the Saudi stand vis-a-vis terrorism was clear even before the incidents of September 11, and described the conference on fighting terrorism, held in Riyadh in Feb 2005 as an important step in this regard. The statement hailed the recent development measures in Saudi Arabia including the elections of municipal councils and the establishment of the human rights commission and the national society for the human rights.