The Editor

The Pioneer

Link House

3, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg

New Delhi 110 002.

Dear Sir,

With reference to the article “Saudi Arabia at crossroads” by Ms. Sandhya Jain (The Pioneer, May 1, 2007), I would like to point out that some of the views expressed by the writer are based only on assumption and speculation rather than facts and ground realities. Ms. Jain’s attempt to raise doubts about the timing of the terrorist plot that was recently foiled in the Kingdom is both ridiculous and deplorable. Saudi Arabia’s credibility and transparency in dealing with internal security matters is second to none. The writer’s insinuation about the possible takeover of Saudi oil resources by outside forces is nothing but a figment of her imagination. The Kingdom is a sovereign and independent country and no foreign power has ever owned its oilfields as the writer seems to suggest.

I have no idea about Ms. Jain’s sources and motives, but I would like to assert that rumours and speculations will neither deter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from marching ahead on the path of reform and modernization nor will it weaken its resolve to build a strategic partnership with all friendly countries including the Republic of India.

I hope this rejoinder will find due space in The Pioneer as early as possible.

Regards.

Yours sincerely,

Saleh Mohd. Al-Ghamdi

Ambassador