Among world leaders expressing condolences, U.S. President Barack Obama offered the sympathies of the American people to the Saudi people and royal family. Mr. Obama said the king always was candid and had the courage of his convictions, including using the U.S.-Saudi relationship as a force for security and stability. A White House statement Saturday said President Obama will travel to Riyadh Tuesday to pay his respects to the new king and the family of the late king. Mr. Obama will cut short his trip to India in order to visit Saudi Arabia. Obama noted what he called late King Abdullahs passionate belief in the importance of the U.S.- Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security. Other foreign officials also announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming days, including French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Many of the Muslim worlds top leaders arrived Friday. Saudi Arabias new King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz has pledging to continue the policies of his half brother, the late King Abdullah, who was buried Friday in the capital, Riyadh. Abdullah was laid to rest in an unmarked grave following a simple ceremony attended by the Arab and Muslim worlds top leaders. One of the worlds few absolute monarchs, he was believed to have been 90 and recently had been hospitalized with a lung infection. At his passing, Abdullah drew both lavish praise and sharp criticism. Meanwhile, the oil-rich, Sunni-ruled kingdom moved quickly to ensure a smooth transition by appointing a new monarch. The new king, thought to be 79, has been crown prince and defense minister since 2012. Another half brother, Muqrin, was named the new crown prince. Salman named his nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef, as the new deputy crown prince and his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as Saudi Arabias new defense minister and head of the royal court. Salman also said he would keep most other ministers. In a televised speech, Salman vowed to continue adhering to the correct policies of his predecessors. We will remain, God willing, holding the straight course that this country has walked on since its establishment by the late King Abdul-Aziz, he said. The new king led prayers at a funeral service for Abdullah at the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh. On Friday evening, hundreds of Saudis visited a royal palace in Riyadh to wish their new leader well. The late king was buried in a simple white shroud, according to Muslim tradition, in an unmarked grave at Al Oud public cemetery. From the Middle East to the West, praise centered on the late kings promotion of peace. Other foreign officials also announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming days, including French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Many of the Muslim worlds top leaders arrived Friday. Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam issued a statement saying Lebanon has lost a defender and partner who stood by Beirut in difficult times
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 12:27:06 +0000
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