In reply to journalists’ questions on a Saudi decision which says that Saudis who join fighting outside the kingdom would incur punishment, al-Zoubi described it as “unrealistic and not possible to implement,” since terrorists coming from Saudi Arabia are sneaking into Syria from Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey via illegal crossings.

”There are terrorists from 83 countries who are armed and funded by Saudi Arabia…The Saudi decision says nothing about stopping funding, arming and training terrorists, be them Saudis or of other nationalities,” the minister said.

He added that the decision does not imply punishment for media incitement and psychological support to terrorists happening inside Saudi Arabia.

”Certain Gulf states are acting like Saudi Arabia…the religious and sectarian channels are receiving sustained support and funding from figures and institutions that are supposedly meant for charity, not bloodshed.”

”If the Saudi decision is intended to embellish the image of the Kingdom, then it is not useful and is not an expression of an international commitment to fight terrorism,” the minister pointed out.