Saudi Arabia gets Dh198m as Gulf War damages

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has received $54 million (about Dh198 million) from the United Nations in compensation for environmental damages it incurred as a result of the second Gulf War.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz, chairman of the Presidency of Metrology and Environment Protection (PMAP), said the amount was used to save seacoasts and in other environment programmes.

He had also patronised a symposium on Makkah and environment development, organised by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

Responsibility

Prince Turki urged all companies and factories to preserve the environment.

He stressed that the Saudi law penalised those who cause damage to the environment.

Asked about the hazards of radiation leakage from reactors in some neighbouring countries, Prince Turki said at present there was no nuclear radiation threat, adding Saudi Arabia thinks nuclear facilities have their advantages and disadvantages.

He pointed out that Islam supports and calls for the protection and development of the environment and resources.