Saudi Arabia Denies Plan To Back Iraqi Sunnis

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal (file photo) (epa)

December 19, 2006 -- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal today denied reports that the kingdom would step in to back the Sunnis in Iraq's sectarian conflict.

He said Saudi Arabia has kept an equal distance from all Iraqi factions.

Earlier this month, "The New York Times" reported that the United States had been told of Saudi plans to provide financial backing to Iraqi Sunnis if the United States withdraws from the country.

The White House has denied the reports.

(AFP, Reuters)