France’s president has vowed his country will stand against instability in Lebanon, two weeks after the assassination of a senior Lebanese intelligence official sparked clashes between pro- and anti-Syrian groups.

The Saudi king has asked US President George Bush to release Saddam Hussein’s half brother on humanitarian grounds, the daily Al-Riyadh reported today.

IRAN yesterday said the US transfer of power to Iraq was a “positive step” toward the holding of free elections and withdrawal of foreign troops.

A militant who is suspected of masterminding the May 12 suicide bombings in Riyadh has been arrested, state radio reported.

A militant who is suspected of masterminding the May 12 suicide bombings in the Saudi capital has been arrested, state radio reported today.