Clerics' dismissal 'is not due to attacks'

The Saudi government yesterday challenged statements by a Saudi official who had said on Friday that the dismissal of a number of imams and preachers in the kingdom was linked to the May 12 terrorist attacks in Riyadh.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance said the dismissals were "solely an administrative decision and that preachers continued to carry out their activities around the country," according to the English daily Arab News.

Saudi spokesman Adel Al Jubeir told a press conference at the Saudi Embassy in Washing- ton that the sacking of the imams was part of the reforms carried by the government since the bombings, which included arresting clerics "who preached hatred and intolerance."

Saudi authorities have linked the Osama bin Laden-led network Al Qaida to the attacks on foreign housing compounds in Riyadh on May 12.

The suicide attacks killed at least 34 people, including eight Americans.

Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Dr. Tawfeeq Al Sudairi told another local newspaper that the ministry had been falsely accused of failing to play its role and step up efforts to counter extremist ideas, adding that people continued to deliver sermons according to regulations set by the system.

Sudairi said the ministry had its own "strategic plans to combat extremism" that are being implemented through various programmes conducted by special committees.

"The implementation of any strategic plan in this area meant that other ministries and related government bodies such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Culture and Information and other commissions needed to join hands to combat extremist ideas," he was quoted as saying.

The official also denied the ministry had gagged preachers in the kingdom and said they were only stopped if they violated administrative procedures.