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29/10/2007
Saudi King's Visit Sparks Controversy
A visit by to the UK by Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is causing controversy.
King Abdullah is due to arrive in the UK on Monday afternoon and his visit is due to begin formally on Tuesday. This is the first time that as Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
However, speaking to the BBC in an interview ahead of his visit, King Abdullah accused Britain of not doing enough to fight international terrorism and accused the UK of failing to act on information provided by the Saudis, which he said could have prevented the London bombings in July 2005: a claim that has since been strenuously denied by Downing Street.
However, Foreign Office minister Kim Howells has called on both Britain and Saudi Arabia to work more closely in spite of their differences, during a speech at the 'Two Kingdoms' conference.
In a further development, a demonstration is understood to be planned to take place outside the Saudi embassy in London later this week in protest at the country's record on human rights.
Vince Cable, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, also announced that he will boycott the visit.
Mr Cable's reasons included the country's human rights record, as well as alleged corruption in the Al Yamamah arms contract, signed with Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
Last year, former Prime Minister Tony Blair stopped an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office into the deal.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has also pulled out of a meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, because he and his wife have adopted a second son from the United States.
It has been reported that Prince Saud also pulled out of the meeting because of Mr Miliband's decision.
(KMcA)
King Abdullah is due to arrive in the UK on Monday afternoon and his visit is due to begin formally on Tuesday. This is the first time that as Saudi monarch has visited Britain for 20 years.
However, speaking to the BBC in an interview ahead of his visit, King Abdullah accused Britain of not doing enough to fight international terrorism and accused the UK of failing to act on information provided by the Saudis, which he said could have prevented the London bombings in July 2005: a claim that has since been strenuously denied by Downing Street.
However, Foreign Office minister Kim Howells has called on both Britain and Saudi Arabia to work more closely in spite of their differences, during a speech at the 'Two Kingdoms' conference.
In a further development, a demonstration is understood to be planned to take place outside the Saudi embassy in London later this week in protest at the country's record on human rights.
Vince Cable, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, also announced that he will boycott the visit.
Mr Cable's reasons included the country's human rights record, as well as alleged corruption in the Al Yamamah arms contract, signed with Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.
Last year, former Prime Minister Tony Blair stopped an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office into the deal.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has also pulled out of a meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, because he and his wife have adopted a second son from the United States.
It has been reported that Prince Saud also pulled out of the meeting because of Mr Miliband's decision.
(KMcA)
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30 October 2007
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The Queen has ceremonially welcomed Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah to Britain as controversy continues to grow around the Middle Eastern ruler's visit. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh greeted the Saudi King on Horseguards Parade.
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The Queen has ceremonially welcomed Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah to Britain as controversy continues to grow around the Middle Eastern ruler's visit. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh greeted the Saudi King on Horseguards Parade.
23 January 2015
King Of Saudi Arabia Dies
Suadi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulazia has died in hospital. Abdullah had ruled from 2005 and is believed to have been suffering from a lung infection. His half-brother Salman has been confirmed as the new King of Saudi Arabia.
King Of Saudi Arabia Dies
Suadi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulazia has died in hospital. Abdullah had ruled from 2005 and is believed to have been suffering from a lung infection. His half-brother Salman has been confirmed as the new King of Saudi Arabia.
21 May 2003
UK embassy in Riyadh evacuated over terror threats
The UK embassy in Riyadh has been closed today over fears that more terror attacks are on the way. In an interview with Radio Four today, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sir Derek Plumbly, said that the embassy would be closed to the public for a few days.
UK embassy in Riyadh evacuated over terror threats
The UK embassy in Riyadh has been closed today over fears that more terror attacks are on the way. In an interview with Radio Four today, the British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sir Derek Plumbly, said that the embassy would be closed to the public for a few days.
01 August 2005
Saudi King Fahd dies in hospital
King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has died, it has been announced. King Fahd, who has reigned as the country’s monarch since 1982, died in the King Faisal Specialised Hospital in the capital, Riyadh, on Monday. He had been admitted to hospital on May 27 for unspecified medical tests.
Saudi King Fahd dies in hospital
King Fahd of Saudi Arabia has died, it has been announced. King Fahd, who has reigned as the country’s monarch since 1982, died in the King Faisal Specialised Hospital in the capital, Riyadh, on Monday. He had been admitted to hospital on May 27 for unspecified medical tests.
16 March 2010
UK Papal Visit Confirmed
The Pope will make a four day visit to the United Kingdom in September, it was confirmed today. A formal invitation was sent to the Vatican from the Queen. Benedict XVI will tour England and Scotland between 16 and 19 September.
UK Papal Visit Confirmed
The Pope will make a four day visit to the United Kingdom in September, it was confirmed today. A formal invitation was sent to the Vatican from the Queen. Benedict XVI will tour England and Scotland between 16 and 19 September.
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