December 9, 2002	Monday	Shawwal 4,1423

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WASHINGTON-RIYADH, Dec 8: Saudi Arabia said it has imposed restrictions to prevent mosques being used as political platforms, following strong criticism in the United States on its perceived failure to crack down on Muslim extremists.

Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Affairs Minister Sheik Saleh Al-Sheikh warned the country’s religious leaders in a letter against “misusing mosques to make provocative speeches or incite people”, according to a statement released by the Saudi embassy in Washington. The minister said mosques are meant only for prayer, guidance and other pious activities and should not be used as political platforms. —dpa