Jeddah, Aug 3(Arab News): Saudi Arabia has decided to continue shouldering the cost of customs duty on imports of Palestinian products for another year.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Monday.

“The council also ordered to settle all financial claims against Saudi citizens in foreign countries, including damage payments, fines and blood money,” Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency.

The order, however, does not cover the liabilities resulting from an accused pleading guilty to crimes such as violation of honor, breach of honesty and drug-related crimes, as well as traffic accidents caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Saudis who are permanent residents in other countries will not, apparently, benefit from the decision.

At the opening of the meeting the king congratulated the people of Saudi Arabia and Muslims around the world on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan.

“While instructing government and private organizations to offer the highest level of service to Umrah pilgrims and visitors to Makkah and Madinah, the king called on all worshippers to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the blessed month and to help the needy,” the minister said.

"The council prayed to Almighty Allah to enable the Muslim Ummah patch up their differences and grant the people peace and tolerance in the blessed month of Ramadan."

The council also reiterated the Kingdom's stand on the ongoing turmoil in several Arab countries that all disputing parties should bury their differences and let wisdom and peace prevail.

The king briefed the council on discussions with world leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week.

The council approved the recommendations made by Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation Crown Prince Sultan, who is also chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Administrative Organization, on the hierarchy of employees in the judiciary sector.

The council appointed Abdullah Al-Fasili director general of the Asir office of the Ministry of Civil Service, Hadhlool Al-Hadhlool as consultant planning engineer at the Ministry of Transport and Muhammad Al-Qarawi director general at the office of the minister of water and electricity.