New Delhi, Aug 02: Centre has declared today a day of mourning as a mark of respect to King Fahd of Saudi Arabia who died on Monday. The national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country and there will be no official entertainment.
President A. P. J. Kalam, in his condolence message to the new monarch, King Abdullah, said: "In the passing away of King Fahd, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lost a leader and the world an elder statesman. The wisdom and vision of King Fahd shaped the development of the kingdom as a stable, prosperous and modern nation state. By declaring a day of mourning, India joins the ruling family and the leadership as well as the people of Saudi Arabia in grieving for the loss that they have suffered."
Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed said, "I am deeply saddened by the passing away of the custodian of the two holy mosques. In the King's death we have lost a towering personality who made tremendous contributions not only to the welfare and prosperity of Saudi Arabia but the entire international community."
Bureau Report
