RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia's Elaph online newspaper reports that the newly created Saudi National Security Council will be given extensive powers.
The NSC, with Prince Bandar bin Sultan as its helm, will be given powers that include the right to declare emergency and war, to investigate security agencies and to deal with corruption and negligence of public duty.
Earlier this week King Abdullah named Prince Bandar, the former Saudi envoy in Washington, as Secretary-General of the NSC.
The first article of the NSC laws and regulations directs the council to protect Saudi Arabia's political, economic, military, security and social interests.
King Abdullah is the NSC chairman and Crown Prince Sultan is NSC deputy chairman. Other NSC members include the deputy commander of the National Guard, the ministers of interior and foreign affairs and the head of the general intelligence.
On Tuesday, Elaph published some of the NSC's rules and regulations.
Besides its security functions, the NSC will also have political power, including the ability to recall ambassadors, reduce diplomatic representation and sever diplomatic relations.
The NSC will also oversee and approve military strategy involving foreign threats.
Under the terms of its charter the NSC is required to meet regularly with at least two-thirds of its members attending.
