Minister: Yemen's cooperation with US no secret

Yemen's Minister of Interior Rashad Al Alimi confirmed yesterday that there are no mysteries or secrets to his country's cooperation with United States in combating terrorism.

He said dealing with US and the rest of the world comes within the framework of the international resolutions and that is based on absolute obviousness and transparency.

He added that the opposition parties that bring out this subject are only looking for political gains.

"If these parties have any facts or issues, then they should reveal them," he challenged in an interview conducted by a state-run newspaper.

Earlier, six main opposition parties, including Islah and Socialist parties, had demanded the government to clarify the dimensions of its security cooperation with US.

The minister also praised the level of security cooperation between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, pointing out to the Yemen security team that is currently taking part in investigations with the members of the Al Qaida cell who were arrested in Saudi Arabia.

He asserted that the number of the members of Al Qaida cell recently arrested was 17 men. He said they were waiting for funds from outside the country to implement a terrorist plan that would have targeted foreign embassies and government institutions.

He said some of the detainees who were released after declaring repentance had returned to take part and plan for new terrorist operations.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has extradited to Yemen yesterday one member of the 17-memer Al Qaida cell recently discovered in Sanaa, according to a security official.

The extradition, the official added, comes within the framework of the distinguished security cooperation that serves stability and security of the two fraternal countries and their common interests.