San’a countries express support to Yemen

November 23, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) – Sana’a Forum countries dispatched a delegation to the Yemeni capital to express their support and solidarity with the Yemen and condemned external interference in the internal affairs of their regional ally.

Since last August, Yemeni army stepped up a military campaign against Houthi rebels who belong to Zaidi Shi’ite minority. They say they suffer religious, economic and social marginalization and neglect. Fighting has flared on and off since 2004. The Yemenis and Saudis accuse Iran of arming the rebels.

In a visit they paid to Sana’s last Saturday, the delegation included, Ethiopian foreign minister Seyoum Mesfin, Somali foreign minister Ali Ahmed, Djiboutian minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Mohamud Ali Yusuf and Sudanese presidential adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail.

In a press conference held after talks with Yemeni President Ali Abdalla Saleh, the high level delegation condemned interference of external forces in internal affairs of the country adding that security of Yemen is an issue of concern to countries in the region.

Minister Seyoum said the Yemeni President has briefed the delegation on the current situation in Yemen in particular stability being restored in that country. He further said Ethiopia and Yemen have been working together to maintain peace and stability in the area.

Resolving Yemeni internal problems contributes to the security in the Horn of Africa said, the Djiboutian minister Ali Yusuf. On his part Somali minister Ali Ahmed stressed the need to condemn the interference of external forces in the internal affairs of Yemen saying it is against sovereignty of the country

Sudanese presidential adviser louded the efforts exerted by the Yemini authorities quell the insurgency adding that President Saleh told them the situation in Yemen has been put under control.

The seven-year-old Saana Grouping, named after the Yemeni capital, is aimed at enhancing security, political and economic cooperation in the volatile region.

(ST)