Saudi prince calls for Arab reform

Saudi Arabia, apparently stung by criticism of the Arab world's curbs on political freedom, is urging rulers to empower their people.

Crown Prince Abdullah, the de facto ruler, is to put a proposal to an Arab summit in March calling for "internal reform ... in the Arab states". He also reaffirms a peace offer made last year to Israel and rejects "external, non-legitimate aggression" against any Arab state – a possible reference to a unilateral US war on Iraq.

Arab News, a Saudi daily newspaper, published an English translation of the draft of the Arab charter, which Riyadh hopes the summit will adopt. "The Arab heads of state decide that internal reform and enhanced political participation in the Arab states are essential steps for the building of Arab capabilities and for providing the conditions for a comprehensive awakening and development of Arab human resources," the draft said.

It did not advocate specific reforms or say how Saudi Arabia planned to open up its own system of absolute monarchy.

Gulf analysts said the proposal appeared to be aimed at mending strained ties with the United States and appeasing citizens, including Islamic radicals. Moghazy al-Badrawy, an analyst, said the initiative might be an attempt to limit the influence of Muslim fundamentalist groups.