Partial Russian pullout from Syria positive step

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Council of Ministers on Monday called Russia’s partial withdrawal from Syria a “positive step” toward a political solution. It also said the Kingdom hoped that the Russian move would help speed up peace process based on “Geneva 1” declaration and force President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime to “make the necessary concessions to achieve a political transition that everybody seeks in Syria.” Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman chaired the Cabinet’s session at Al-Yamama Palace in Riyadh. The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s condemnation of the continuing crimes being committed by the Syrian regime and its agents against the Syrian people. It also expressed its resentment on the delay in granting permit for aid delivery and stopping the necessary medical supplies to besieged areas. Following the Cabinet session, Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Turaifi said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency that the signing of a number of agreements between the Kingdom and Egypt was commended. The Cabinet was briefed on the joint statement issued by Saudi-Egyptian Coordination Council in its fifth meeting held in Riyadh on Sunday. Saudi Arabia has offered $1.5 billion to help finance economic projects in the Sinai Peninsula. The funds will be used for development projects in agriculture and to build 26 residential complexes that would also include hospitals and schools. The Cabinet expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of suicide blasts in Istanbul and Nigera’s Borno State. It reiterated the Kingdom’s firm stand against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and its support for all measures being taken by friendly countries to protect their security and stability.