SAUDI ARABIA: President Bush said yesterday that the "close partnership" between the United States and Saudi Arabia would continue following the death of King Fahd.
In a written statement, Mr Bush congratulated Saudi Arabia's new king, King Abdullah, and said: "We wish Saudi Arabia peace and prosperity under his leadership. I have spoken today to the new king, and the United States looks forward to continuing the close partnership between our two countries."
US officials said Fahd's death would have little effect on US relations with Saudi Arabia, a critical ally and major oil supplier, because Fahd's successor has been the de facto ruler for years and has close ties to Mr Bush and his family.
Arab and Muslim countries flew their flags at half-mast and many announced three or even seven days of mourning for the man who ruled for 23 years.
An emergency Arab League summit due to be held in Sharm al-Sheikh following last month's bomb attacks in the Egyptian resort was postponed for up to a week.
"We received with great sadness the news of the death of King Fahd, which is a loss for Saudi Arabia and the Muslim and Arab world," Kuwaiti energy minister Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahd al-Sabah said, adding Kuwait would always be grateful for Riyadh's role in freeing his country from Iraqi occupation.
"We do not forget his relentless efforts to put Palestine on the international agenda," said Nabil Shaath, Palestinian deputy premier. "There is a deep sadness in Palestine at his death."
Saad al-Hariri, son of Lebanon's slain prime minister and friend of the Saudi royal family, recalled Fahd's role in ending that country's 1975-1990 civil war and aiding its recovery.
British prime minister Tony Blair said: "King Fahd was a man of great vision and leadership who inspired his countrymen for a quarter of a century as king."
French president Jacques Chirac said: "During his reign King Fahd was, above all, concerned with the safety of his people. In troubled times, he guaranteed the integrity of his country and defended regional stability. He developed the kingdom wisely."
The Taoiseach sent a message to King Abdullah to convey the sympathies of the Irish people, noting how, during Fahd's reign, "your country enjoyed a time of great advancement and prosperity and, under his leadership, has played a strong and important role in the promotion of peace". - (Reuters)