In Saudi Arabia, the king is dead – BBC Russian

In Saudi Arabia, the king is dead – BBC Russian

• January 23, 2015

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King Abdullah ascended to the throne in 2005

In Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah died bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, state television announced the country.

In a statement issued early Friday, said that the new king Saudi Arabia will be his brother Salman.

Shortly before the official announcement of the Saudi TV ceased regular broadcasts and switched to reading verses of the Qur’an, which usually means the demise of one of the senior members of the royal family.

King Abdullah passed for 90 years (more precisely determine his age was not possible). The last few weeks he spent in the hospital due to a lung infection.

The king came to the throne in 2005, but the last few years, often sick.

79-year-old Salman began to play a big part duties of the monarch during the illness of King Abdullah.

King Salman 79 years

A new heir to the throne of Saudi Arabia announced a blood brother of King Abdullah, Prince Mukrin. He 69 years.

All of them – the sons of the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul-Aziz, who outside the Arab countries is often referred to by Ibn Saud. He died in 1953.

Son Number 13

King Salman called on the Council of the oath, consisting of sons and grandsons of Ibn Saud, Crown Prince Mukrina admit.

“His Majesty Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and all members of the family and all the people mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, who died exactly one o’clock,” – said in a statement.

Abdullah was the 13th of 37 sons of King Abdul Aziz. It is believed that he was born on August 1, 1924 in Riyadh, although the exact date of his birth is not known.

In most of Saudi Arabia, he was considered a reformer, but not radical.

When his rule allows you to moderate criticism in the press. He also made it clear that he would like to see more women received permission to work.

It is also believed that he was somewhat loosened control over the population by the religious police.

King Abdullah, for example , allowed women to participate in elections to local advisory councils.

Royal Guard in front of portraits of King Abdullah, the King and Crown Prince Salman Mukrina

US President Barack Obama expressed his condolences on behalf of the American people on the death of King Abdullah.

“As a leader he was always sincere and had the courage to stand up for their beliefs. One of the such beliefs was his strong and passionate belief in the importance of US-Saudi relations as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond, “- said in a statement the US president.