Saudi show of unity after reports of rift
NZPA-Reuter Jeddah, (Saudi Arabia) Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, second in line for the throne, has pledged loyalty to his brothers King Khalid and Crown Prince Fahd and dismissed American reports of a split in the Saudi royal family. The Saudi Press Agency quoted the prince, who was named in reports from Washington as likely to fight a challenge to his position by a younger brother, as saying: “Those who are betting on our disunity . . . will be disillusioned.” “God willing, we shall
always remain as one man,! one heart, in the service ofi the nation and united on its vital issues, under the leadership of King Khalid and Crown Prince Fahd,” he added in an interview with the Bahrain-based Gulf News Agency. United States Government sources in Washington last month reported intense manoeuvring among Saudi royal princes for positions in the hierarchy because illhealth might force King Khalid out within the next few months.
The succession problems were complicated because Crown Prince Fahd was
himself ill and Prince Abdul : lah’s right to succeed him might be challenged by Prince Sultan, the Defence Minister, the sources said. They said the Defence Minister had the backing of the Crown Prince.
King Khalid has since been quoted as denying the split and saying he had no intention of abdicating. Both Government officials and Western diplomats in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, have said the Saudi royal house has apparently closed ranks, with Prince Sultan accepting his position as number four in the hierarchy.
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Press, 23 April 1979, Page 9
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257Saudi show of unity after reports of rift Press, 23 April 1979, Page 9
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