Saudi Arabia names new crown prince

19.06.2012 [11:43]
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Baku, June 19 (AZERTAC). The Saudi king named his half-brother Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz as the country's new crown prince, placing him next in line to rule the oil-rich kingdom, in an expected move that is likely to ensure a smooth political transition amid political turmoil in the Mideast region.

The announcement by King Abdullah Abdulaziz al Saud , 88 years old, follows the death last week of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Salman, who was the governor of Riyadh province from 1962 until he was appointed defense minister and deputy crown prince in November, has played an increasingly prominent role in Saudi politics in recent years. He is known to favor close political and economic ties with the West.

The new crown prince had been expected by observers to be next in line to the throne after Prince Nayef, who was also a half-brother of King Abdullah.

The king appointed Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz to succeed Prince Nayef as interior minister, according to a royal decree.

Saudi Arabia names new crown prince

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