Riyadh, Amman back Cairo against ‘terrorism’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Jordan on Friday threw their support behind Egypt as it sought to restore law and order, with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah calling on Arabs to be united against attempts to destabilize most populous country in the region.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its people and government have always stood with the cause of its brothers in Egypt against terrorism, deviation and sedition” King Abdullah said in a message on Saudi television.
“I call on the men of Egypt, Arab and Muslim nations, the noble scholars, thinkers and conscientious people, men of reason and writers to stand as one and with one heart in the face of attempts to destabilize a country that is in the forefront of Arab and Muslim history,” he said.
“We have been closely following the developments in our brotherly nation of Egypt. The events there are pleasing only an enemy that hates to see a stable and secure Egypt. On the other hand, it is deeply painful for all who wish to see stability and unity prevailing in Egypt,” the king added.
“Those who have interfered in its affairs must know that they are stoking the fire of sedition and backing terrorism, which they claim to fight,” the king said, hoping that they would return to their senses sooner than later.
King Abdullah, stressing the Islamic and Arab character of Egypt,, said: “Somebody’s utterances on the subject will not change the situation. The country has the potential and strength to return to a safe shore. That day, the enemies will realize that they were wrong.”
Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates later welcomed the king’s statement.
Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh said that his country stands by Egypt in its quest "to impose the rule of law, recover and restore security, safety and stability."
He also stressed Jordan's support for the Egyptian people's will to renounce terrorism and all attempts to interfere in their country's internal affairs.
In a statement to Petra, Judeh praised the King Abdullah in support of Egypt. Judeh said Egypt remains a key Arab nation and that attempts to tamper with its security and safety have to be resisted.