Saudi Prince Nayef named second deputy premier

Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister Prince Nayef has been named second deputy premier, placing him just behind ailing Crown Prince Sultan in the political hierarchy, the state SPA news agency reported on Friday.

"His Royal Highness Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz has been appointed second deputy prime minister," it said in a one-sentence statement.

Prince Nayef, about 75, was elevated to the job that has been vacant since his half-brother King Abdullah ascended the throne in 2005 and his full brother Sultan became first deputy premier.