Coalition denies Yemeni funeral bombing

 SA News October 9, 2016

The Coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen was not involved in the strikes at funeral in Yemen. About it reports Reuters referring to a source in the Arabian coalition.

“Absolutely nothing was carried out in the region”, one of the Arabian coalition sources said, the coalition always avoid attacking such a crowd of people.

According to the statement carried by the Saudi Press  Agency (SPA). The Coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen has announced that it is aware of reports about the regrettable and painful bombing of the Great Hall in Sana’a today 8/10/2016 , which led to the killing and and injuring of casualties, as reported.

The coalition expressed its deepest condolences and support to the families of the victims of hostilities since of the coup takeover of power in Yemen during 2014.

The coalition confirms that its troops have clear instructions not to target populated areaa and to avoid civilians.

The coalition will immediately investigate this case along with Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) in Yemen and experts from the United States who participated in previous investigations.

The coalition is also willing to provide the investigation team with any data and information related to its military operations today, at the incident’s location and the surrounding areas.

The result of the investigation should be announced as soon as it’s completed.

“Saudi Arabia’s Counter-Terrorism, Efforts” Exhibition opens in Canberra, Australia

Ambassador Al Saleh , Col. Sami Al-Mutairi with Military Attachés of numerous foreign embassies in Australia.

 SA NEWS , Canberra, SEP 25,2016.

Saudi Arabia’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts” Exhibition organised by the Saudi military attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Canberra, was opened by the Saudi Ambassador to Australia, Nabil Al Saleh, and Ms Lyndall Sachs, Chief Protocol of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) . The opening took place on the sidelines of the Saudi Embassy’s celebrations of the Saudi Arabian National Day.

The event was attended by senior embassy staff and Australian senior military representatives from the Royal Australian Defence Force, and Military Attachés of numerous foreign embassies in Australia.

In a statement to SPA, Ambassador Al Saleh highlighted the role being played by the Kingdom in combating terrorism and its humanitarian relief initiatives all over the world, “Their efforts emanate from its pioneering regional and international role to bring about peace and stability in the world” Ambassador Alsaleh Said .

On his part, the the Saudi military attaché in the Royal embassy of Saudi Arabia in Australian Col. Gen. Sami Ben Fahd Al-Mutairi explained the contents of the exhibition, including the presentations, posters, books and documentary films on display showing the Kingdom’s efforts to fight terrorism. The exhibition also highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the formation of an Islamic alliance to fight terrorism and establish humanitarian relief, as represented in the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid .

Ambassador Al Saleh’s Remarks on Saudi National Day – Canberra, 2016

Saudi Ambassador  to Australia  and New Zealand Mr  Nabil Al Saleh

Remarks at National Day 2016 Reception”

Speech, check against delivery, Canberra, Australia , 22 September, 2016

Excellencies, distinguished guests.  It is my great pleasure to welcome you here tonight, as we celebrate the passing of 86 years since the unification of Saudi Arabia.

We have succeeded in this period beyond expectations.  Today, Saudi Arabia has become a leading player in regional and international affairs.  We have improved our standard of living. We have created opportunities for our people, and have built cities and a country of which we are proud of.

As you know, the region, and the whole world is changing fast, entering an era full of challenges. And this, in its own right, contributes to the introduction of new and unique opportunities, in building a more resilient and comprehensive economy.

For well over a decade, the Kingdom has enjoyed uninterrupted real economic growth, with an average growth rate of 5 % over the past 5 years.  Whilst we are in a strong position, we understand the necessity to adapt to a new paradigm, to face whatever challenges and strains that may arise.

It is in this context that we have embarked on implementing Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic strategy. Vision 2030, announced by our government earlier this year, aims to transform our country; diversify our sources of income, into an economy that is vibrant and resilient.

Where we are changing the mind-set of the country from an oil producer, to an innovative, competitive, efficient society, as we unleash the potential of our youth. Where we are making ministries and government as a whole more accountable, setting the highest levels of transparency and governance across all sectors. Where we look at ways to increase foreign investment as well as domestic investment in Saudi Arabia, and empower the role of women.

However, ‘Vision 2030’ is much more than that. It is also about looking at sectors that have been underutilised. Whether it is in mining or manufacturing; whether it is in defence, services, or education; whether it is in research and technology. After all, ‘Vision 2030’ is not just a slogan – its baselines and fundamentals are non-negotiable. And these elements are what is central to the vision; which are:

–              Our position as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

–              Becoming a global and leading investment powerhouse.

–              And, making Saudi Arabia a global epicentre of trade, connecting three continents; Asia, Europe and Africa.

That is why we have launched the ‘2020 National Transformation Plan’.  A blueprint, which outlines the pathway to 2030; how we plan and monitor our work. It is a roadmap, which will ensure that ministries , institutions , and government entities work on implementing the Vision. The results of which will be published so that it can be publically monitored. It is because of this, that we are quite optimistic:

Of becoming within the world’s 15th largest economy by 2030, up from our current position of 19th in the world. Transforming our Public Investment Fund into the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund.  Increasing its assets from $214 billion Australian dollars to over $2.5 trillion Australian dollars.  As well as increasing the private sector’s contribution from 40% to 65% of GDP, and increasing Small and medium-sized enterprises’ contribution to GDP from 20% to 35%. And, of lowering the rate of unemployment from 11.6% to 7%.

Moreover, of moving ahead in global rankings. For instance, from our current position, of 82nd in the World Bank Index of Ease of Doing Business, to rank 20th by 2020. As well as from 25th to rank 20th in the Global Competitiveness Index within the coming four years.

But Ladies and Gentlemen,

‘Vision 2030’ signifies a lot of possibilities.  I would encourage you to enter into constructive partnerships with us. True that ‘Vision 2030’ is entirely Saudi.  That we will localise manufacturing, and harness the knowledge acquired by our nationals studying on government scholarships abroad.   Which, at present, number in excess of 200 thousand.

But the private sector has an integral role to play in fulfilling our vision.  And so, the opportunities for you are there. Particularly as we need the skills, the expertise and technical know-how.

Indeed, Saudi Arabia has, is, and will continue to be an appealing investment destination. And these activities and opportunities will not cease. Whether it is in Health, Defence, Education, Mining, Food Security, Infrastructure, services, or ICT just to name a few. Sectors that Saudi Arabia and Australia can work on closely together. But let me just briefly illustrate some of the possibilities:

Although we are the world’s 3rd biggest military spender, only 2% of this spending is within the Kingdom. We intend to localise over 50 % of military equipment spending by 2030. Doing so, will require strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Moreover, we see ourselves not as an oil producing country, but an energy producer – in solar, in wind, in clean energy. We intend to generate 9.5 giga-watts of renewable energy to meet our local energy consumption, which is set to increase three fold by 2030.  In doing so, we are entering into partnerships with institutions across the world, in research and technical collaborations.

Furthermore, we have established the Commission for Recreation and Culture, and have sought international interests in offering cultural activities and entertainment inside the Kingdom.

These changes will come in tandem with a population that is set to double over the coming decades.  As well as an increase in disposable income, and a growth in the number of annual travellers.

These will evidently lead to a strong rise in the demand for food and food security.  Religious travel alone is set to expand from 8 million to 15 million visitors by 2020, and to 30 million visitors per annum by 2030.

There will continue to be ample opportunities in the education and research field. Particularly as we seek to train over half a million public sector employees by 2020.  We will also encourage further collaboration and partnerships between our educational institutions and foreign universities. Particularly as we aspire to have five Saudi universities in the top 200 world universities by 2030.

Last but not least, the ICT sector will play an integral role, as it will drive this Vision, empowering our country, and economy.  It is worth remembering that Saudi Arabia is the largest ICT market in the Middle East region.

I could go on and on.

But my point is that all government departments are working in sync with the private sector to translate the vision into a reality.   We are pulling the pieces together from all over Government and relevant bodies.   The foundations are being laid. Vision 2030, and the mechanisms worked through as stated in the 2020 National Transformation Plan, has provided the means and the necessary assurances for investors to act with confidence.

It is in this regard that I should refer to the visit by the Australian Minister of Trade and Investment to Saudi Arabia in the near future.  I would encourage Australian businesses to accompany the Minister in this trip, or to seek the assistance provided by the Saudi Australia Busines Council. As it is a valuable vehicle to discover the transformation occurring on the ground, discuss the possibilities with the relevant officials, as well as prospective busines partners.

We know that the current trade balance between both our nations does not reflect its true potential.  Thus, seizing the opportunities currently presented, will turn the potential for exponential growth into a reality.  So, let me conclude by emphasising to you that: Saudi Arabia has chosen a clear path.  A path of creating an economy that is not dependent on oil as a source

of revenue. Making it a global and leading investment powerhouse, as well as a global epicentre for trade.  All of which will be based on good governance, transparency, and accountability.

In doing so, we look forward to working with all members of the business community, and international community, in our path to accomplish Vision 2030.

Thank you very much for your attendance.

Saudi Crown Prince meets Australian PM on sidelines of UNGA

Saudi Crown Prince meets Australian PM on sidelines of UNGA

SA News  New York  20-9-2016

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has met on Tuesday with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia and ways of enhancing them, in all fields, in addition to issues of mutual interest.

According to a News report by  AAP  Malcolm Turnbull has had a frank discussion with Saudi Arabia’s deputy prime minister about how to fight” ISIS-Daesh” and its propaganda machine.

The discussion also focused on the difficulties of creating a clear path towards a political settlement in Syria.

The prime minister also reiterated Australia’s commitment to negotiating a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Muslim World League Conference in Mecca: Islam is a Message of Peace and Moderation

SA News  Mecca  13^th  September 2016

The Muslim World League held a  ” Islam is a Message of Peace and Moderation” ,Conference  in Mecca this week ,  attended by the prominent Muslim scholars around the world .

The participants have applauded the outstanding Islamic services provided to the pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah, as this facilitated for them the performance of their Hajj ritual  in security, and peace of mind. And conveyed their profound thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Masjids King Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud for the Islamic glorious service that Allah helped him to render rendered to the Two Holy Masjids.

The participants strongly denounce the statements issued by  certain Iranian officials and theorists of its sectarian  the directions regarding their flagrant intervention in Hajj affairs in the context of their annual customary activity, which fell short of  even elevating itself to the higher objectives of Islam.

Ambassador Al Saleh launches the Saudi date distribution program in Australia

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Australia and New Zealand Nabil Al Saleh launched today the Saudi Date distribution program as a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, “God protect him” to Muslims in Australia, New Zealand and neighbouring islands on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Ambassador Al Saleh pointed out that the Embassy has distributed nearly six tonnes of dates across more than 120 associations and Islamic Centres and individuals in Australia, New Zealand and countries neighbouring islands in Fiji and Papa New Guinea and others during the Holy Month. H.E said the program is one of the charity initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ambassador congratulates Victoria University on Centenary

Ambassador Al Saleh with Victorian University Chancellor George Pappas

The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Australia Nabil Al Saleh met with the Chancellor of the University of Victoria, Professor George Pappas, at a Ceremony to commemorate the Centenary of the founding of Victoria University in Australia. The celebration took place in the attendance of senior political, academic and diplomatic figures including a representative of the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham and Minister of Education in Victoria, James Mirlino and the Saudi cultural attaché to Australia, Dr. Abdul Aziz Ibn Taleb.

Ambassador Al Saleh congratulated Mr Pappas on the occasion of the Centenary, and noted the University’s embrace of many Saudi students on scholarships. He also praised the depth of academic and cognitive relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia and pointed to the prospects of seeing Saudi Arabia’s “2030” vision to include education as a key player in the Saudi economy and in its future.

On his part, the University Chancellor George Pappas, praised the academic relations between the University of Victoria and Saudi Arabia, directing his thanks and appreciation to Ambassador Al Saleh for his participation in the Ceremony. He also noted the great cooperation and interest shown between both nations to strengthen these relations.

Governor-General hosts luncheon honouring Mr Iyad Madani of the OIC

The Governor-General hosted a luncheon in honor of the Secretary General of the OIC Mr Iyad Madani

SA NEWS – 3 February 2016

The Governor-General General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove hosted a lunch on the occasion of the visit to Australia by His Excellency Mr Iyad Ameen Madani, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Guests included:

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Australia His Excellency Mr Nabil Mohammed A. Al Saleh; His Excellency Dr Abdusalam Abadi , Ms Maha Aqeel; Dr Dodik Ariyanto; Mr Ahmed Fahour; Senator the Honourable Concetta Fierravanti-Wells; Mr Ammanul Haq; Mr Ridwaan Jadwat; Mr Ahmad Madani; Mr Chris Moraitis; Mr Greg Ralph; His Excellency Mr Nadjib Riphat Kesoema; Professor Amin Saikal AM; Mr Bilal Sasso; Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP; and Mr Peter Varghese AO.

Secretary General of (OIC) Iyad Madani Arrives in Canberra

.Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani has arrived today in the Australian capital of Canberra as part of his official visit to Australia

.He was welcomed by Saudi Ambassador to Australia Nabil Al Saleh and various Australian officials

Iran’s Record in Supporting Terrorism

 Iran’s Record in Supporting Terrorism and Extremism

Jan 20, 2016

A senior official of Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated today that since the Iranian revolution in 1979, Iran has established a record of spreading sedition, unrest and chaos in the region in an effort to undermine the region’s security and stability, and in complete disregard for international law, agreements, treaties, and moral principles. During the same period, the Kingdom has maintained a policy of restraint in spite of having suffered – as have neighboring countries – the consequences of Iran’s continued aggressive policies.

The official said that Iranian policy is based primarily on the preamble of Iranian constitution and the directive of Ayatollah Khomeini, which is based on the idea of exporting revolution. In a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of other states and interference in their internal affairs, Iran recruits militias in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen under what is called ‘supporting the vulnerable and subjugated peoples. It continues to support terrorism by providing safe havens for terrorist organizations on its territory, planting terrorist cells in a number of Arab countries, and assisting in terrorist bombings that have caused the loss of many innocent lives. It has assassinated opposition figures abroad, has continually violated the sanctity of diplomatic missions, and has even assassinated or attempted to assassinate diplomats around the world.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has prepared by the attached fact sheet to illustrate Iran’s aggressive policies over nearly four decades, and categorically refutes the persistent lies promoted by the Tehran regime, including the foreign ministers article in The New York Times and his message to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

FACT SHEET: Iran’s Record in Supporting Terrorism and Extremism

1. The Iranian regime is the worlds number one sponsor of terrorism. The Quds Force and other state and state-sponsored organizations actively engage in and support terrorist organizations abroad, such as Hezbollah, Hezbollah Al-Hejaz (Saudi Hezbollah), Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq in Iraq, and a number of sectarian militias, including Houthis in Yemen. Iran has supported and conspired with other terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda. Iran has harbored Al-Qaeda leaders, some of whom still enjoy sanctuary in Iran. Iran has been condemned by the United Nations and many countries. International sanctions have been imposed on it.
2. In 1982, 96 foreigners were kidnapped in Lebanon, including 25 Americans, in what is known as the hostage crisis which lasted for10 years. Most of kidnappings were carried out by Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups.

3. Hezbollah bombing of the U.S. embassy in Beirut in 1983, which killed 63 people, was orchestrated by the Iranian regime.

4. Also, in 1983, Ismail Ascari, an Iranian national, carried out a suicide bombing at the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut. The attack was planned by Iran and resulted in the deaths of 241 American servicemen and injuries to 100. It was described by the American press as the largest single group of casualties outside the battlefield.

5. On the same day, Hezbollah also sent a suicide truck bomber to the French army barracks in Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 64 French civilian and military personnel.

6. In 1983, members of Hezbollah and the Shiite Hezbo-AlDawa, which were backed by Iran, carried out a number of attacks, including attacks on the U.S, and French embassies in Kuwait, an oil refinery, and a residential neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of five people and the wounding of eight.

7. In 1983, Iran attacked Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Gulf. Subsequently, Kuwait tankers were reflagged as American and provided escort by U.S. warships.

8. In 1984, Hezbollah attacked a US Embassy annex in east Beirut, resulting in the deaths 24 people.

9. In 1985, several Gulf soldiers and citizens were killed when an attempt was made to bomb the motorcade of His Highness, late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait.

10. In 1985, the Iranian regime masterminded the hijacking of TWA flight; 39 American passengers were held captive for weeks.

11. In 1986, Iran urged its pilgrims to carry out riots during Hajj season, which resulted in a stampede and the deaths of 300 people.

12. Hezbollah Al-Hejaz set fire to an oil facility in Ras Tanura on the east coast of Saudi Arabia in 1987. In that same year, The pro-Iranian organization attacked the Saudi Petrochemical Company (SADAF) facility in Jubail, in eastern Saudi Arabia.

13. In 1987, Iran was involved in the murder of Saudi diplomat Mosaed Alghamdi in Tehran, the same year Saudi Arabia foiled attempts by Iranian pilgrims to smuggle explosives in to the country.

14. In 1987, the Saudi embassy in Tehran was attacked and Saudi diplomat Reza Abdulmohsen Al-Nozha was assaulted and taken by Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces. He was released following negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

15. Iranian surrogates were responsible for the abductions and killings of a number of American diplomats in Lebanon in the 1980s.

16. Iran was involved in a series of assassinations of Iranian opposition members, including:

1. a.The murder of Iranian Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Rahman Ghassemlou and his deputy Abdullah Azar, in Vienna in 1989.
2. The assassination in France by the Iranian revolutionary guard of Shapour Bakhtiar, the last Prime Minister of Iran under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, which also took the lives of a French officer and woman.
3. The assassinations of Secretary-General of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Sadegh Sharafkandi, his assistants Fattah Abdoulie, Homayoun Ardalan, and Nuri Dechrda, in the bombing of the Mykonos restaurant in Berlin in 1992.

17. The Iranian regime kidnapped and killed a number of American diplomats in Lebanon in 1989 Iran was responsible for the abduction and killing of a number of U.S. diplomats in Lebanon in the 1989.

18. The Iranian regime was involved in the assassination in Thailand of Saudi diplomats Abdullah Al-Malki, Abdullah Al-Bassri, Fahad Al-Bahli, and Ahmed Al-saif in 1989 and 1990.

19. In 1992, the Iranian regime was involved in the bombing of Mykonos restaurant in Berlin. The German Federal Prosecutor issued an arrest warrant of Iran’s Minister of Intelligence, Ali Fallahian, for planning and supervising the restaurant bombing and killing (4) Kurdish opposition who were in the restaurant at the time of the bombing.

20. Iran was involved in Buenos Aires bombings in 1994, which resulted in the deaths of 85 people and the wounding 300 others. In 2003, British police arrested Hade Pour Soleimanpour, Iran†s former ambassador to Argentina, for conspiring to carry out attack.

21. In 1994, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release stating that four Iranian diplomats were involved in a covert operation at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas that was aimed at forcing Iranian refugees to return to their country.

22. Iran was involved in the Khobar bombings in 1996, which was carried out by the pro-Iranian organization Hezbolla-Al Hijaz and resulted in the deaths of 120 people, including 19 Americans. Iran provided protection to the offenders, including Ahmed AlMoghassil, a Saudi citizen who was arrested in Lebanon in 2015 carrying an Iranian passport. The terrorist attacks were directed by the Iranian military attachأ in Bahrain. The perpetrators were trained in both Lebanon and Iran. The explosives were smuggled from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia by Hezbollah. Evidence is available with Saudi Arabia and the governments of a number of friendly countries.

23. Iran has provided a safe haven for a number of Al-Qaeda leaders since 2001, including Saad bin Laden, Saif Al-Adel and others after September 11, 2001. It refuses to hand Al- Qaeda leaders over to Saudi Arabia despite the Kingdom†s continuous requests.

24. Iran was involved in the bombings of three residential compounds in Riyadh in 2003, which killed many Saudi citizens and foreign residents, including Americans, at the instruction of one of the Al-Qaeda leaders in Iran.

25. In 2003, the Kingdom of Bahrain arrested members of a new terrorist cell that was receiving support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

26. In 2003, the Iranian regime supported Shiite elements in Iraq by forming political parties and militias loyal to Iran. These activities resulted in the deaths of some 4,400 U.S. service members and tens of thousands of civilians, particularly of Sunni Arabs. Former U.S. ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey said that the Americans who died were killed in operations carried out by groups backed directly by Iran.

27. In 2006, Washington said that Iran supported the Taliban against US forces in Afghanistan and that it had armed groups different ethnic and sectarian groups to strike the US near Iran†s borders. It said further that the Iranian regime had offered a reward of $1000 for every American soldier killed in Afghanistan.

28. In 2007, the US Senate passed a resolution calling the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. this has been the characterization of this group by President George W. Bush and Congress are indicative according to rules issued after the Sept. 11, 2001.

29. In 2011, Iran was involved in the assassination of Saudi diplomat Hassan Al-Qahtani in Karachi.

30. In 2011, the U.S. foiled an attempt to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. and proved the involvement of the Iranian regime. The criminal complaint unveiled in federal court in New York identified two people involved in the plot: Mansour Arbabsear, who was arrested and imprisoned for 25 years, and Gholam Shakuri, an officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, who is currently in Iran and wanted by the U.S. judiciary.

31. In October 2012, hackers from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard carried out cyber-attacks against oil and gas companies in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta described the cyber-attacks as among the most destructive in the private sector. President Obama’s administration said that it is aware that this is the work of the Iranian government.

32. In 2012, a plot to assassinate US officials and diplomats in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was discovered. A Shiite group in Azerbaijan, backed by Iran and working under the instructions of the Revolutionary Guard, was behind the plot.

33. In 2016, the Kuwaiti criminal court sentenced two members of the “Abdali cell†to death. One has Iranian citizenship. They were charged with carrying out acts that jeopardize the unity and security of Kuwait, and with actively collaborating with Iran and Hezbollah to carry out acts of hostility.

34. In January 2016, Iran admitted officially through the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Ali Jafari, that it had 200 thousand Iranian fighters outside the country – in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.

35. Iranian diplomatic missions form spy networks in different countries to plan and execute terrorist operations. The countries that discovered that Iranian spy networks exist on their territory were: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2013, Kuwait in 2010 and 2015, Bahrain in 2010 and 2011, Kenya in 2015, Egypt in 2005, 2008, 2011, Jordan in 2015, Yemen in 2012, the UAE in 2013, Turkey in 2012, and Nigeria in 2015.

36. In addition to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which was described by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage as the number one terrorist organization in the world, the Iranian regime founded many terrorist cells and militias in Iraq, Yemen and other countries, and used them to destabilize.

37. Iran sent members of the Revolutionary Guard to Iraq to train and organize Shiite militias and use them to kill Sunnis and international forces.

38. Iran is the largest distributor of IED explosives in the world. IEDs are used to blow up cars and armored vehicles and have caused the deaths of hundreds of members of international forces in Iraq.

39. Iran has violated the sanctity of diplomatic missions, including the attack on the U.S. embassy in 1979 and the detention of its employees for 444 days, the attack on the Saudi Embassy in 1987, the attack on the Embassy of Kuwait in 1987, the attack on the Russian Embassy in 1988, the attack on the Danish embassy in 2006, the assault on a Kuwaiti diplomat in 2007, the attack on the Pakistani embassy in 2009, the attack on the British Embassy in 2011, and the attack on the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad in 2016.

40. The Iranian regime did not protect Saudi diplomatic facilities during the 2016 attacks, despite repeated requests. Security men even entered the embassy building after the attacks and stole its property.

41. Saudi Arabia is not the first country to cut off ties with the Iranian regime as a result of its acts of aggression and violation of the sanctity of embassies. The United States, Britain, Canada and other European countries preceded Saudi Arabia. Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Yemen also severed ties. Recently, Bahrain, Sudan, Somalia and Djibouti have cut off relations with Iranian regime because of Iran†s interference in their affairs and for the connection between the Iranian regime and sponsoring terrorism.

42. .While the Kingdom has been a target of many terrorist attacks, the Iranian regime has not been exposed to any acts of terrorism, whether from Al-Qaeda or Daesh, giving weight to suspicions that Iran is working with terrorist organizations.

43. The Arab region did not know sectarianism until after the Iranian revolution in 1979. Iran has interfered in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. One of its agents, Heidar Moslehi, the former Iranian Minister of Intelligence, ranted that Iran occupies four Arab capitals.

44. The Iranian regime seduced many Gulf citizens by taking advantage of their religious feelings and smuggling them illegally to Iran. They traveled covertly through third countries with no visas, and their Iranian handlers instructed them to leave by boat and venture into international waters, where Iran picked them up and claimed to rescue them. The Iranian regime enrolled them in training for armed operations and other terrorist acts and took them back to their countries to carry out these acts.

45. Perhaps the greatest example of Iran†s interference is its flagrant interference in Syria through its Revolutionary Guard forces, the Al-Quds Force and the recruitment of Hezbollah militia and sectarian militias from a number of countries to fight alongside the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

46. The Iranian interference in the affairs of the Arab region was strongly rejected by the Arab League in all its decisions, including its last meeting on Jan. 10, 2016.

47. Iran claim that its embassy in Yemen was bombed was disproved by facts backed up with photos.

48. Iran fabricated the claim that one of Makkah†s imams spoke negatively about Shiites. Audio and videos of all the speeches of the imams of the Holy Mosque disprove this charge.

49. Nimr Al-Nimr, a person whom Iran calls a peaceful political activist, was convicted of terrorism charges along with 46 others. He was convicted of establishing a terrorist cell that plans and executes terrorist acts and recruits and arms people to carry them out. Those acts that have resulted in the deaths of a number of security officers.

50. The Iranian regime was condemned by the international community and the United Nations for human rights violations and its support of terrorism, which was confirmed by UN General Assembly Report A70/411 issued October 6, 2015.

51. According to international reports, Iran executed more than 1,000 people during 2015, an average of three executions a day. The pace of these executions increased during the first seven months of 2015. The Iranian Supreme Court approved the executions of 27 Sunni preachers without any justification.

52. Iran continuous to repress its minorities, including Arab Ahwaz, Kurds, and Baluchs.

53. Iran is in violation of Security Council Resolution 2216 with regard to Yemen because it continues to supply weapons to the Houthi militias. Iranian ships carrying weapons, including rockets, were intercepted on their way to the Houthis in Yemen.

54. The Iranian regime claims to protect its agents, but does not hesitate to get rid of them as soon as their terrorist acts are discovered. This happened to one of those who participated in Khobar bombing.

55. Iran foreign minister’s allegation that Saudi Arabia opposed the nuclear agreement is not true. Saudi Arabia publicly supported any agreement that would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and includes a rigid and consistent inspection mechanism, with the option of imposing sanctions should Iran violate the agreement, which was affirmed by the United States.

56. Iran should determine whether it is a revolution in a state of chaos and disobeys international laws or a country that respects international agreements and treaties and the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

57. Since the beginning of the Iranian revolution, Saudi Arabia has tried to reach out to Iran in peace, harmony, peaceful co-existence and good neighborly relations, but Iran responded by spreading sectarianism, provocation, killing and destruction.

58. If Iran wants to show reason and logic, it must start with itself before asking others to do so.