A senior Saudi prince said in comments published on Sunday that loyal Saudis had foiled plans by "evil people" to stage protests.   

Web activists had slated March 11 as the first day for mass protests around the country in favour of a democratic government.   

But a religious ruling banning demonstrations in the world's biggest oil exporter, and a heavy police crackdown in key cities, appeared to intimidate most who are interested in demanding more political rights.

"I congratulate King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan for having these kind and loyal subjects," Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz, the king's half-brother, said in remarks published on the official news agency overnight.

"Some evil people wanted to spread chaos in the kingdom yesterday and called for demonstrations that have dishonourable goals," said the veteran security chief, whose ministry warned last week that protests were un-Islamic and illegal.   

Inspired by mass protests in Tunisia and Egypt which resulted in the toppling of long-standing leaders Zine al Abidine Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak, activists have signed petitions in favour of a constitutional monarchy.   

The Eastern Province, where most Saudi oil fields are located, was the only region that saw protests on Friday -- the latest in a series of demonstrations there in recent weeks.   

They are demanding the release of prisoners held for years without trial. -Reuters