Saudi king announces benefits, warns against sedition

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has ordered that all government employees be paid two months-worth of their salaries and that students be granted a two-month payment, according to a royal decree read on Saudi television.

The king also set a minimum wage of 3,000 riyals ($800) a month for all Saudis.

King Abdullah also warned that security forces will "hit" whoever undermines the kingdom's security and stability, in a speech aired on state-run television.

King Abdullah spoke after midday Muslim prayers on Friday. He thanked residents and security forces for being "the hands" of the country's stability.