A Saudi foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday attacked some local newspapers for their "severe criticism" of US President Bill Clinton's peace efforts for ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, saying that 'the articles contained matters that do not conform with the genuine situation, and sometimes these articles lacked objectivity," the Saudi News Agency (SPA) quoted him as saying.
According to the agency, the official's attack targeted three main newspaper: al-Watan, al-Jazeera and al-Riyadh.
The source emphasized that what was published by these newspapers "did not reflect the official Saudi opinion in this respect," according to a statement carried by the agency.
"The government of the custodian of the two holy mosques does appreciate the efforts exerted by Clinton to reach a just and comprehensive settlement at the Palestinian-Israeli track," said the official.
Al-Riyadh newspaper on Tuesday said Clinton lacked the qualities needed for a head of state when it came to formulating policies concerning Arabs and Islam, according to AFP.
Clinton had "none of the qualities of a man who can succeed by becoming hostage to Israeli advisors, ministers, ambassadors and businessmen", it said in a rare attack on the United States, said the agency -- Albawaba.com
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