Prince Nayef moves closer to Saudi throne

[Naveed Yaseen]

RIYADH (March 29 2009): Powerful Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz has moved one step closer to the throne of the worlds biggest oil exporter with his promotion to Saudi deputy premier, analysts said on Saturday. Nayef, who for more than 33 years has run the key ministrys crucial internal security and anti-terror operations, was named second deputy prime minister on Friday by his half brother King Abdullah.

He will retain the interior ministry portfolio. The surprise appointment to the post, vacant since Abdullah became king in 2005, places Nayef in the job previously occupied by the now first deputy prime minister and heir to the throne, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Nayefs promotion does not mean succession is looming as King Abdullah, at about 85, is in good health for his age.

But the five-month absence of Sultan, Nayefs full brother and defence minister, for two operations in New York for an unspecified illness, has left an administrative gap and generated speculation about an eventual transition, Riyadh-based analysts say.

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