Saudi prisoner issue in Iraq a ‘top priority’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia seeks to unite the people in Iraq and also address the issue of Saudi prisoners in that country, Saudi Ambassador to Iraq Thamer Al-Sabhan has said.

The envoy expressed the desire to maintain an Arab Iraq that is strong enough to contribute to the Arab nation, adding that the file of Saudi citizens detained in Iraq are a trop priority for the Saudi Embassy.
“The Kingdom is currently working on opening these (prisoner) files with Iraq, after a period of 25 years, as both countries are embracing joint cooperation to address political, security and economic issues,” he was quoted as saying by local media.
The Kingdom sees unity in Iraq by ending the differences among political groups and forces, Al-Sabhan said.
As for security cooperation, he said: “Iraq suffers from security issues due to the presence of terrorist organizations which do not spare any Arab country. We seek to find a platform to work on this area to protect both countries from the perils of evil.”
He confirmed that communication is ongoing with Iraqi tribes and communities on this issue.
Figures from the Iraqi Ministry of Justice reveal that 69 to 75 Saudis have been detained in that country. “Some of the Saudis are being held since 2003, while others for the last few weeks,” Al-Sabhan said, adding that after the embassy opens, the consulate section will take responsibility of defending Saudi detainees through a legal office.