Iran denies Yemeni accusation on supporting rebels
Yemen-Iran, Politics, 5/28/2007

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini Saturday rejected allegations made by Yemeni interior minister linking Iran with recent events in the Yemeni province of Saada.

GulfNews.com reported last week that "Yemen yesterday accused Iranian religious institutions of giving financial support to Shiite rebels who have been fighting government forces in northern Yemen," adding "The rebels oppose Yemen's close alliance with the United States."

"Remarks made by Yemeni interior minister (Rashad al-Alimi) do not correspond with realities of Iran-Yemen ties," Hosseini said while expressing surprise over the minister's statements.

"While the two countries have good relations, the Yemeni minister's comment is considered to be an irresponsible and unfriendly move," he added.

Hosseini also rejected arrest of Iranian nationals on charge of smuggling narcotics. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always stood beside its Yemeni brethren and support for Yemen's unity and territorial integrity is regarded a clear example of Iran's stance," he said.

He expressed hope Yemeni officials would resolve their domestic problems wisely instead of putting the blame on others.

Iran and Yemen enjoy deep-rooted ties, he said, adding ties between Iran and Yemen would continue firmly despite the desire of the ill-intentioned. "Iran attaches special significance to ties with Yemen," he reiterated.

The spokesman referred to Yemen as one of the major countries in the Islamic world saying, "Under the present sensitive circumstances that enemies are engaged in provoking and creating ethnic, sectarian and religious conflicts among Islamic states, steps should be taken more wisely in this respect and efforts should be reinforced to put an end to these conflicts. Developments in Saada are among Yemen's internal issues. We hope the problem would be settled peacefully within the framework of national unity to establish stability and tranquility in the country," Hosseini stated.

He voiced Iran's readiness to offer any assistance and cooperation to Yemeni government to resolve the problems.

Previous Stories:
  Iran a buttress of region, Islamic nations: Yemeni official   (3/6/2007)
  Yemeni supports Iran on nuclear program   (6/8/2006)
  Yemeni speaker: Iran's nuclear technology a significant achievement for Muslims   (5/1/2006)

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