Saudi King Abdullah has died, according to state-run TV on Thursday night.
He was believed to be 90 or 91.
Forbes magazine put his net worth at around $18 billion. He was the country’s regent from 1996 to 2005 and was Commander of the National Guard for 48 years.
Abdullah was made king in August 2005, following the death of his half-brother.
Here’s a few quotes attributed to him:
“No matter how powerful, countries cannot rule the whole world. The world is ruled by brains, by justice, by morals and by fairness.”
“I believe America is the most powerful country in the world and is a country that stands on principle. Its principles are enshrined in its very foundation and constitution, and it has a duty to serve humanity. America has a duty to follow its conscience to reject repression. It must reject oppression. It must reject humiliation.”
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, like other countries in the region, rejects the acquisition of nuclear weapons by anyone, especially nuclear weapons in the Middle East region. We hope that such weapons will be banned or eliminated from the region by every country in the region.”
“I believe strongly in the rights of women... my mother is a woman, my sister is a woman, my daughter is a woman, my wife is a woman.”
“The hand of justice will reach the perpetrators wherever they are.”
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