Washington: US Secretary of State Colin Powell on November 27 came to the defence of the Saudi Ambassador to the United States and his wife, saying "it is most unlikely" that they would "knowingly provide money to individuals or organisations" involved in terrorist activities.

Powell told reporters here that we should not "rush and jump to conclusions as to whether or not something wrong has transpired or not".

There are allegations that the charitable donations made by the Envoy, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, and his wife Princess Haifa al-Faisal are linked to Sept 11 attacks.

"They are old friends of mine," he said. "I think it's most unlikely that either Prince Bandar or Princess Haifa would knowingly provide money for individuals or organisations that are conducting terrorist activities."

However, Powell said that the United States was concerned about Saudi Arabian charities and had pressed the kingdom to clamp down on donations that may be funnelled to suspected terrorists.

PTI