Saudi National Campaign Raises more than $66 Million for the People of Syria

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Saudi National Campaign for the Support of Brothers in Syria concluded today, raising more than $66 million. Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the five-day campaign encouraged Saudi citizens and residents to support the people of Syria as they face prolonged suffering at the hands of their own government.

King Abdullah donated more than $5 million to the fund while Crown Prince Salman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense gave more than $2.5 million. Large quantities of in-kind donations, including foodstuffs, medicines, medical appliances, clothes, tents, blankets and jewelry were also collected. The campaign will continue to accept cash donations through its account at the National Commercial Bank.  In-kind donations will be accepted throughout the Kingdom until Monday, July 30.

"Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting the Syrian people in their time of need," said Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel A. Al-Jubeir.

In addition to humanitarian aid, Saudi Arabia continues to call for a transition of power in Syria of power, as well as the enforcement of U.N. sanctions against the Syrian regime. The Kingdom has asked for the issue of Syria to be forwarded to the U.N. Security Council under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter and an end to the transfer of arms to the Syrian regime.

For more information on Saudi Arabia, please visit www.saudiembassy.net or follow the embassy on Twitter @SaudiEmbassyUSA.

This is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia