© 2024 88.9 KETR
Public Radio for Northeast Texas
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Dies

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Other news we're following this morning - the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has died. Sultan bin Abdel Aziz Al Saud was in New York getting treatment for colon cancer when he died yesterday. He was in his eighties. Prince Sultan was the half brother of the ruler of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah - and a central figure in the Saudi Royal Family. He was made Defense Minister in 1962, a post he held until his death, and was appointed heir to the throne in 2005. King Abdullah is expected to name his interior minister, Prince Nayef, as the new heir to the throne. Analysts say they expect an orderly transition. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is traveling in Tajikistan, expressed condolences and said, quote, "Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is strong and enduring."

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SIMON: You're listening to NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.