SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]
Barzani Discusses Common Concerns in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon [Apr 17]
“The President of Iraqi Kurdistan Region visited Saudi Arabia and Lebanon last week to discuss issues of common concern with his counterparts. At the official invitation of King Abdulla, Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Barzani arrived in Saudi Arabia last Monday and was immediately received along with accompanying officials by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Talks between the two sides dealt with various issues of common interest. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and other high-ranking officials. King Abdulla honored Barzani with First-Degree of King Abdul Aziz Shield. Barzani’s visit to Saudi Arabia came after Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, was invited to Saudi Arabia in the same week..” [Complete Report]
Al Maliki Adviser: More Cooperation With Saudi in Upcoming Stage [Apr 17]
” In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ali al Moussawi, the media adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki and head of the National Media Center, stressed that there can be no monopolization in Iraq by any one sect, party or ethnic group. Al Moussawi stressed that Iraq is committed to a social, political and security system with Saudi Arabia and in the upcoming stage there will be higher levels of cooperation between the two sides. Asked his view on some political leaders and officials leaning towards Arab and regional countries, especially Saudi Arabia, and whether the Prime Minister is for such action, al Moussawi said, ‘We are for developing ties with all countries in the world especially brotherly Arab countries and this is what we always strive towards. However, at the same time, we do not want Iraqi politicians to give the impression that they are not capable of taking important decisions themselves and that they rely on [foreign states] or rush [to foreign countries] whenever they face a problem. This was directed to all politicians and all states without exception.’ ‘As for the future of ties with the [Saudi] Kingdom we believe that the natural situation will be for us to have excellent and natural ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and if there are frosty ties then of course we would not want that to continue.’..” [Complete Report]
UN Human Rights Chief Begins Visit to Gulf Countries [Apr 17]
“The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay today embarks on a 10-day visit to the six Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in an effort to engage more actively and effectively with Governments and civil society in the region. Ms. Pillay will seek to gain first-hand understanding of current dynamics in the GCC region in relation to human rights, including reported progress in some areas as well as specific issues of particular concern. She will also examine ways in which her office can provide further support and advice to the individual GCC countries – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman..” [Complete Report]
Saudi Samba’s Q1 Net Falls on Lending Income [Apr 17]
“Samba Financial Group 1090.SE on Saturday posted a drop in first-quarter net profit in line with analysts forecasts after Saudi Arabia’s second-biggest lender by market value made less money on loans. Samba made a net profit of 1.21 billion riyals ($322.7 million) in the three months to end-March, down 4.8 percent from 1.27 billion riyals a year earlier. Analysts were expecting Samba to make an average 1.08 billion riyals in net profit during the period. Like the majority of listed Saudi lenders, Samba said its net lending income fell during the first quarter by 10.5 percent to 1.17 billion riyals. But unlike the majority, Samba also saw a 1.5 percent decline in income from non-lending operations which include brokerage and foreign exchange transactions..” [Complete Report]
Deutsche Bank and Saudi Investors Establish Deutsche Gulf Finance [Apr 17]
“Deutsche Gulf Finance, a joint venture Shariah-compliant home financing company owned 40% by the Riyadh Branch of Deutsche Bank AG and 60% by a group of prominent Saudi-based investors, led by Fahad Abdullah Abdulaziz Al Rajhi, has commenced business.. ..The Company has an initial capitalization of approximately $110m, and at first will provide Shariah-compliant home financing for properties located in Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand its operations into Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait over time. Deutsche Gulf Finance has commenced financing completed units as well as those under construction on individual lots or at real estate developments..” [Complete Report]
