Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has died, a
statement from the royal palace has said.
The royal court said in a statement on Friday
that Abdullah, believed to be around 90, died
at 1:00am local time (2200 GMT), expressing
its "great sadness and mourning".
The officials did not disclose the cause of
Abdullah's death, but he was admitted to
hospital in December suffering from
pneumonia and had been breathing with the
aid of a tube.
Abdullah will be buried later on Friday
following afternoon prayers, and citizens
would be invited to pledge allegiance to the
new monarch and the crown prince at the
royal palace, the court statement said.
Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra said:
"This is
someone who is definitely going to be
remmebered as a reformist within the royal
family.
"He succeeded his brother at a very delicate
time and started reforms in the country."
Saudi TV also announced Crown Prince
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 79, is now
officially the new Saudi king and Prince
Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz is the new crown prince.
"His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
and all members of the family and the nation
mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz...," State
TV said.
No comments: