Region | Iran
Iran denies charges of involvement in Yemeni rebellion
The Iranian embassy in Sanaa has denied any relation with the ongoing war in northern Yemen between rebels and the army.
- By Nasser Arrabyee, Correspondent
- Published: 00:00 March 5, 2007
Sanaa: The Iranian embassy in Sanaa has denied any relation with the ongoing war in northern Yemen between rebels and the army.
A statement issued by the embassy yesterday criticised previous statements by a senior ruling party official that Iranian religious institutions were supporting the rebellion in Saada.
"The statements are irresponsible and contradict the spirit of cooperation and brotherly relationships between two countries, and they are also contradicting with the views of the two leaderships in Iran and Yemen," said the statement which was sent to local media.
Earlier, Tariq Al Shami, spokesman of the ruling People's General Congress, had said Iranian religious institutions were supporting Al Houthi followers who are fighting against the government troops.
"A delegation from the Iranian national security visited Yemen and met with their counterparts in Sanaa, and the question of the Iranian support for the rebels in Saada was discussed with them, but the Iranian security officials said the Iranian regime does not allow support, but there were Iranian religious institutions who support the rebellion," Al Shami said in a symposium on Saada organised in Sanaa earlier last week.
"Al Houthi supporters bought medium and heavy sized weapons from the external support they got during the period of truce with state," he added.
"We hoped that the terrorists of Al Houthi supporters would respond to the demands of the legitimate state in giving up weapons and violence and forming a political party without sectarianism according to the law and order," Al Shami had said.
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