Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz today chaired the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, which expressed profound concern at the news that the Supreme Court of Israel has given approval for the laying of the cornerstone of the so-called third temple within the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia vehemently denounces the continuation of such acts of provocation against Islam's third holiest place, and considers the move of the Israeli court to be a blatant violation of all international laws and legitimacy. The Kingdom warns that this act will exacerbate the situation and lead to a tension to be blamed on Israel alone, and urges the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the permanent members of the Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities towards keeping the peace and preserving security, to take prompt action to halt these flagrant hostilities, and to enforce the international community's resolutions with regard to the Palestinian cause and the occupied city of Al-Quds [Jerusalem].

On the situation in the Republic of Indonesia, the Kingdom expresses satisfaction at the peaceful solution of the crisis over the Presidency to the benefit, security and stability of the country and its people.
Turning to domestic matters, the cabinet decided to create a new military medal to honor and encourage those who serve the pilgrims. The Pilgrimage Badge of Honor will be granted to civilian as well as military personnel from both inside and outside the Kingdom. The cabinet also abrogated the system of tying a foreign contractor to a Saudi agent; authorized the Ministry of Communications to discuss a draft agreement on maritime transportation with the Islamic Republic of Iran; agreed that the proposed educational cooperation agreement between the Kingdom and Algeria be discussed within the meetings of the two countries' joint commission; and expressed support in principle for the creation of two private universities, one from the Prince Sultan National College and the other from the colleges now operating under the auspices of the King Faisal Foundation.

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