Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz today chaired the regular weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers, which began with a discussion of the proposal for introducing into the educational system the teaching of English at the elementary level, starting with the fourth grade. The discussion resulted in a recommendation for the issue to be reviewed by the Higher Committee on Educational Policy prior to being forwarded for final approval to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz.

Crown Prince Abdullah then briefed the cabinet on talks he had had with King Abdullah of Jordan and with President Ali Abdullah Salih of Yemen concerning the latest developments in the region, notably the Palestinian issue, as well as the current situation in the Arab, Islamic and international arenas. The cabinet expressed satisfaction over the continuing positive development of relations between the Kingdom and both the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Yemen, especially as regards the coordination of efforts to defend Arab causes and the interest in enhancing joint Arab work and solidarity in the service of Arab issues. The cabinet expressed concern over recent incidents in the Middle East that could lead to destabilization of peace and security and result in humanitarian catastrophes; hoped that diplomatic efforts would be given a chance; and urged implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions in order to achieve security and stability in the region. The cabinet stated that resorting to prudence and carefulness and paving the way for diplomatic efforts will together provide a greater chance for dialogue and help the region avert tension.
Turning to domestic issues, the cabinet passed a number of resolutions, including approval of the 1992 protocol for the international agreement on civil responsibility for the effects of oil pollution; and approval for the new constitution of the Board of Directors of the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI).

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