RIYADH: The landmark decree allowing Saudi women to drive has received the seal of approval from the Council of Senior Scholars, the Kingdom’s highest religious body that advises King Salman on religious matters.
“King Salman, granted by God the responsibility of protecting his people and the nation’s interests, and preserving Islamic values and national interests, does not waver in achieving the national interest in accordance with Shariah,” the council’s secretariat said.
“The senior scholars decided to adopt and approve the royal decree. King Salman only does what is best for his nation.
“The scholars’ advisory opinions focused on the virtues and vices, and not the act of driving itself, which is an absolute right which no one should be deprived of. King Salman should study the matter and look at it from all angles.
“King Salman studied the negative side of not letting women drive and thus, with the Council of Senior Scholars’ approval, issued the royal decree, as he did not find any reason not to. King Salman issued the royal decree preserving all women’s rights, in order to protect the national interest.”
Letting women drive in Saudi Arabia ‘does not conflict with Shariah,’ say senior scholars
Letting women drive in Saudi Arabia ‘does not conflict with Shariah,’ say senior scholars
Saudi Arabia to host ‘dialogue’ between southern Yemeni factions
- The conference hopes to ‘develop a comprehensive vision’ to fulfill the aspirations of Yemenis
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has invited factions in south Yemen to hold a dialogue in Riyadh to “discuss just solutions to the southern cause.”
The ministry statement said the conference in the Saudi capital had been requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and the Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people.
The separatist Southern Transitional Council has recently seized territory in the governorates of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra.
Saudi Arabia said the STC action poses a direct threat to the Kingdom’s national security, and regional stability.
Earlier this week, the military coalition supporting Yemen’s government carried out airstrikes targeting a shipment of weapons and vehicles destined for southern separatist forces. The shipment arrived in the port of Al-Mukalla on two vessels.
Saudi Arabia has reiterated the only way to bring the southern cause to a resolution is through dialogue.
Gulf and Arab countries on Tuesday offered their support for the internationally recognized government in Yemen.
