SUSRIS Daily News – Excerpts from International Media Reports
[Links to full articles were active on the date posted here]
Al-Asheikh Tells Haia Official to Stay Out of Shariah Issues [Apr 24]
“Saudi Arabia’s grand mufti has reportedly told the chairman of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) in Makkah to stay out of Shariah matters that are not of his concern. Al-Madinah newspaper reported on Friday that Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah Al-Asheikh was not happy that Sheikh Ahmad Qasim Al-Ghamdi had sent him his research on the controversial and hotly debated issue of gender mixing in the Kingdom and refused to read it. The grand mufti asked Al-Ghamdi to fear God and not to make statements about issues that are not of his concern, the newspaper reported. Al-Ghamdi told Al-Madinah that he had sent his research to the grand mufti to read and talked to him over telephone.. ..Al-Ghamdi denied reports that he had been fired because of his opinions regarding congregational prayer and gender mixing. He also refuted claims that there were divisions within the commission because of his views, adding that his opinions did not mean he disrespected existing regulations. Meanwhile, Al-Madinah newspaper reported that a specialized Shariah committee would consider Al-Ghamdi’s research on gender mixing..” [Complete Report]
Abbas Asks Obama to “Impose” Mideast Peace Solution [Apr 24]
“‘Mr. President (Barack Obama) and members of the American administration, since you believe in this (an independent Palestinian state), it is your duty to take steps toward a solution and to impose this solution,’ Abbas said in a speech. Abbas made the remarks to members of his Fatah party in the West Bank city of Ramallah a day after talks there with Obama’s Middle East envoy. George Mitchell is in the region to try to revive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. ‘We’ve asked them (the Obama administration) more than once: ‘Impose a solution’,’ Abbas said.. ..Abbas’s appeal to Obama came amid widespread media reports that the U.S. president was considering floating a proposal that would set the contours of a final peace deal. Any such move would likely be opposed by Israel, which says only negotiations can secure a final settlement to the conflict..” [Complete Report]
Saudi Arabia Awards Contracts Worth $5.6bn in Q1 [Apr 24]
“Saudi Arabia awarded contracts worth 20.9 billion riyals ($5.57bn) for various development projects in the first quarter, state news agency SPA said on Saturday. The largest chunk, worth 15.7 billion riyals, went to construction projects such as building roads, schools or hospitals, SPA cited the finance ministry as saying. The world’s largest oil exporter plans to spend more than $400 billion until 2013 to upgrade its infrastructure..” [Complete Report]
Saudi Retail Sales to Reach USD 97 Billion by 2013 [Apr 24]
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s retail sales are projected to hit USD 97 billion by 2013, fueled by the country’s robust economy as well as several socio-demographic factors such as rising disposable income, a youthful population, and an expanding consumer base driven by more active women spenders. Food and grocery in particular are expected to maintain a strong share of the retail sector and continue to account for almost half of total annual retail value. Saudi Arabia is the largest and fastest growing food market in the GCC region and is home to some of the Gulf’s largest food, drink and mass grocery retail companies..” [Complete Report]
