NEW : Sources say pardon unrelated to King Abdullah nor subsequent Eid al-Adha . NEW : The White House welcomed King Abdullah 's decision , but National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe stressed that `` this is obviously a matter for the Saudi Arabians and King Abdullah . '' Al-Jazirah minister says king felt pardon in best interests of Muslim people . Report : Hajj pardons rape victim sentenced to two lashes . A Saudi court had ruled the 19-year-old had an `` illegitimate relationship ''
NEW : Sources say pardon unrelated to King Abdullah nor subsequent Eid al-Adha . NEW : Al-Jazirah minister says king felt pardon in best interests of Muslim people . Report : Hajj pardons rape victim sentenced to two lashes . A Saudi court had ruled the 19-year-old had an `` illegitimate relationship ''