U-turn by Saudis denies US access for attack on Iraq

Saudi Arabia said yesterday it would not allow America to use bases in the Gulf state to launch an attack against Saddam Hussein ­ even if the strike was sanctioned by the United Nations.

The country's Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, said Saudi Arabia would co-operate with decisions taken by the UN Security Council but taking part in or facilitating any military action was "something else". Pressed as to whether Saudi bases could be used he replied "no".

The comments of the prince are the latest in a series of apparent policy switches by the Saudi government in relation to the possible use by America of its Prince Sultan air base near Riyadh to launch an attack against Iraq.

Last month, the prince said on CNN that the base could be used. Those comments reversed a previous stance.

There was no specific reaction from Washington to the prince's comments though a senior White House aide, Mary Matalin, said: "We have many friends and allies in the region, and we have many friends and allies around the world." Such comments are a reference to the growing importance to America of its relationship with Qatar, something that has developed as relations with Saudi Arabia have turned increasingly sour since the attacks of 11 September. A total of 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens and the Kingdom has been criticised by some in Washington for not doing enough to tackle terrorism.

Over the past seven months America has been developing and stocking the multimillion-dollar al-Udeid air base near Doha, the capital of Qatar, as an alternative launch pad from which to strike Iraq.

The number of US military personnel has been increased at the base, which is equipped with a three-mile runway capable of handling the heaviest American cargo aircraft and bombers. Washington also keeps tanks, armoured vehicles and other equipment, sufficient to equip a brigade, in 27 warehouses near the base.

* Americans will go to the polls tomorrow in what is expected to be an extremely close mid-term election. A survey in The Washington Post suggested that the Democrats would still control the Senate and the Republicans would still control the House ­ and all predictions have forecast a tight ballot.