Jeddah, Sha'ban 28, 1435, Jun 26, 2014, SPA -- An Interior Ministry statement issued today stated that non-Muslim expatriates in the kingdom should respect the sentiments of Muslims by not eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan's daylight hours in public places, including roads and workplaces. The ministry warned that those who violated the regulations will have to face deterrent punishments such as deportation or sacking. The statement added that eating and drinking openly during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan are seen as an embarrassment to Muslims, as abstaining from foods and drinks are one of the visible features of Ramadan since fasting was made obligatory to Muslims centuries ago. “Being a non-believer of Islam does not exempt an expatriate from being inconsiderate of the feelings of Muslims and the Islamic symbols of this country,” the ministry said. The statement also said that the ministry hoped workers would honor the terms of their work contracts, which stipulate that anyone living in this country should follow the laws of the Kingdom, including respecting religious sentiments. The statement also asked companies and establishments to explain these instructions to their employees. --SPA 14:53 LOCAL TIME 11:53 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w