New Delhi: Saudi Arabia has asserted that it will not participate in the US-led war against Iraq and its armed forces will not enter that country under any circumstances.

King Fahad has said Saudi Arabia rejected outright any infringement on Iraq's unity, independence, resources and international security, as well as military occupation, according to a Saudi Embassy release on March 21.

"The Kingdom expects the war to be over as soon as the Security Council resolution 1441 concerning the disarmament of Iraq is implemented," he said.

Declaring that Saudi Arabia will not enter into any uncalculated adventure at present, he asserted "we may have a different position" if the war exceeds its stated objectives.

He also said, "The Kingdom expects that the next period will witness an active and serious movement towards reaching a just solution to the Palestine problem based on the principle of land for peace."

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ambassador-designate to India Saleh Mohammad al-Ghamdi has arrived here to take charge of his new assignment.

A career diplomat, he was Saudi Envoy to the Philippines. Al-Ghamdi said he would strive to strengthen bilateral relations and increase the volume of trade and co- operation between the two friendly countries.

PTI