Yemeni journalists union criticizes Palestinian ambassador

The union of Yemeni journalists announced its position concerning the mutual accusations between the Palestinian ambassador in Sanaa, Yehia Riyah, and the Yemeni newspaper Som Bom.

The union stated that the paper is not abusing any one and that the problem could not be solved except through press traditions and by resorting to the judiciary.

In its press statement today, the syndicate said that the ambassador's "attempts to escalate the campaign against the newspaper Som Bom, do not help establishing the basis of democracy, respecting others' opinions, freedom of publishing and expressing opinions."

It also added that using the power of diplomatic influence to reach a decision from executive branch in Yemen to prevent publishing news regarding embassies unless the embassies have been contacted is considered an obvious breach to the press law and freedom.

The Palestinian ambassador denied the accuracy of what was published by the newspaper concerning his involvement in smuggling uranium and red mercury from Yemen to Israel.