Saudi Arabia congratulates Yemen on restoring islands

King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia on Sunday sent a cable of congratulations to President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen over the decision of the International Arbitration Committee, which stressed Yemen's sovereignty over the southern Red Sea Hanish islands in a dispute with Eritrea.

King Fahd expressed his hope that the decision taken by the International Arbitration court concerning the islands will strengthen relations between Yemen and Eritrea for the interests of the two countries.

Similar cables of congratulations were also sent to the Yemeni President by Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz.

On Sunday, the Arab League welcomed the decision over the Hanish Islands. Arab League Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Muhammad Zakaraya Ismael said that adopting arbitration and dialogue in solving conflicts between states is the best way to achieve a just solution for all parties. He expressed hopes that the final decision will be implemented and matters will return to normal.