Dubai: The spokesman of Saudi-led Arab coalition forces fighting to support legitimacy in Yemen, Colonel Turki Al Maliki, has denied a statement by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) director, that it is hampering the supply of fuel to UN aircraft transporting humanitarian aid to Al Houthi-controlled Sana’a. He also said that it could not be held responsible for the unavailability of jet fuel in the Yemeni capital, as the city is still under Al Houthi control.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Colonel Al Maliki as saying: “What has been reported by some media about the statement by the UNDP Director in Yemen, is untrue.”
The coalition issues permits on a daily basis for the entry of fuel ships, humanitarian and medical aid to all Yemeni ports “without exception”, Al Maliki said.
He said the coalition is only responsible to issue the permits for ships to dock at Yemeni ports, but it is the responsibility of the party controlling the port to ensure the aid gets in the right hands.
The Yemeni government has long accused Al Houthis of diverting critical aid to its own forces and intimidating international aid workers from carrying out their duties.
