* Ruling family nearing decision on transferring power * Appointment strengthens prince's branch of dynasty * Moves closely watched at top of leading oil exporter By Angus McDowall RIYADH, May 14 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's king Abdullah appointed his son as gover**r of Riyadh province on Wednesday in a move that strengthens his branch of the ruling dynasty as it approaches a difficult decision over how to transfer power to the next generation. Prince Turki bin Abdullah's elevation to one of the most important positions held by ruling family members in the absolute monarchy comes months after a**ther son of the king, Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah, was made gover**r of Mecca Province. Moves in the ruling family are closely watched at home and abroad for clues on who will rule the world's top oil exporter, a country which also a huge influence over Muslims through its guardianship of Islam's holiest sites. The Saudi line of succession does **t pass directly from father to son, as in European monarchies, but has moved along a line of brothers born to the country's founder king Abdulaziz who died in 1954.
05-15-2014, 07:17 AM
Saudi king appoints son as gover**r of Riyadh province
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