Annan said, "We had a good discussion with [Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz] and congratulated him on his accession and the reform programs he initiated." Then, Prince Saud and Annan answered questions by reporters. Responding to a question on regional issues, Annan stressed UN's efforts to resolve the problems in Iraq and Israel. Responding to a question on the Syrian crisis and investigation into assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafiq Alhariri, Prince Saud said that Syria had promised to cooperate fully in this regard and he hoped that the result of the investigation would only lead to punishment of the perpetrators and not include the Syrian people. On the same issue, Annan said, "The sole objective is getting to the truth and holding the perpetrators accountable. It is the beginning of a process. Impunity is not acceptable. [UN investigator Detlev] Mehlis is following the evidence wherever it might lead, and whoever is implicated should be held accountable regardless of position." On Saudi role in this regard, Annan said, "Saudi Arabia is important in the region. We expect it to urge Syria to cooperate fully." --MORE 1304 Local Time 1004 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/301667