Saudi wants Arabs to denounce terrorism

Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has told leaders at a summit of Gulf Arab states that it is the duty of everyone to condemn terrorism and all those who support it.

In an opening address at the summit in Oman, he said the image of Arab and Muslims had been severely damaged by the 11 September on the United States.

Crown Prince Abdullah also criticised the leaders of the Gulf Arab States for not doing enough to achieve their aim of economic union and setting up a unified military force.

Leaders at the two-day summit are expected to ratify an agreement reached by ministers on implementing a unified customs union by 2003, and approve a media campaign to improve the image of Arabs and Muslims in the West.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service