RIYADH BOMBING: The Department of Foreign Affairs said it cannot confirm reports of the death of an Irish woman in the suicide bomb attacks on Western compounds in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, reports Paul Cullen.
In spite of assertions by the Saudi foreign and interior ministries that an Irish national was killed in the blasts, the Department said it has no information on any Irish casualties or deaths.
A spokesman pointed out that Irish citizens in Saudi Arabia are not required to register with the embassy in Riyadh. Diplomats in Riyadh had been in touch with two Saudi ministries but had received no confirmation of an Irish casualty, he said.
The Department yesterday responded to Tuesday's terrorist attack by warning Irish citizens against all non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. It also issued new advice to Irish people living and travelling in the country.
They are advised to maintain "the highest levels of personal security," to keep a low profile and to limit travel within the kingdom to essential journeys only.
"We also advise citizens to be especially vigilant in places popular with foreign nationals such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls." Irish citizens are also advised to ensure the safety of their vehicles and to register with the Irish embassy immediately.
The Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, said yesterday that the explosions killed 34 people, including seven US citizens, one Briton and one Irish citizen.
The British Foreign Office said two Britons were unaccounted for but had no further details.
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