AL JAZEERA ENGLISH: King Abdullah expected to announce government reshuffle and anti-corruption measures in address to the nation.
Saudi Arabia's monarch will announce a government reshuffle, an anti-corruption drive and a promise to increase food subsidies to combat rising prices in an address to the nation, diplomats have said.
King Abdullah's speech - his first address since unrest began sweeping the Arab world - is expected after midday Muslim prayers on Friday, the state news agency reported.
The speech by the ailing 86-year-old monarch comes after several small demonstrations in the oil-rich kingdom. The monarchy could be worried about protests escalating into more intense gatherings.
Saudi diplomats, speaking to the Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity, said the king plans to replace the ministers of defence, higher education and religious affairs.
The defence minister is ailing, while intellectuals have criticised the minister of higher education for dumping billions on expensive projects that they said produced few results.
The diplomats said the king would not replace the head of the all-important oil ministry. Many Saudis have seen little benefit from their country's oil wealth. » | Source: Agencies | Friday, March 18, 2011
