The Chairman of the Leadership Council: Converting Sanaa Airport into a hub for Iranian flights is a blatant challenge to international law.
President Alimi Welcomes Russian Ambassador to Yemen
On Sunday, President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, met with Yevgeny Koudrov, the Russian Ambassador to Yemen. This meeting marked a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Yemen and Russia.
Greetings from President Putin
During the meeting, Ambassador Koudrov conveyed greetings from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He expressed wishes for President Alimi’s health and happiness, as well as for peace and stability for the Yemeni people. In response, President Alimi asked the ambassador to relay his greetings to President Putin and his hopes for progress and prosperity for the Russian people.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various levels. Both leaders emphasized the importance of developing partnerships that benefit both nations and their peoples. President Alimi highlighted the historical ties between Yemen and Russia, acknowledging Moscow’s role in building Yemen’s state institutions.
Urgent Consultations with the UN Security Council
President Alimi also addressed the ongoing consultations Yemen is conducting with permanent members of the UN Security Council. These discussions precede an emergency session scheduled for tomorrow, requested by the Yemeni government. The session aims to address serious developments following Iran’s violation of Yemen’s sovereignty by facilitating a flight to Sana’a Airport, which is under the control of Houthi militias. This action blatantly challenges international law and UN resolutions.
Warning Against Iranian Provocations
President Alimi warned that any new Iranian attempts to repeat such actions would represent a dangerous escalation. He described it as a deliberate message testing the international community’s commitment to enforcing Security Council rules and resolutions. The Yemeni government has consistently stated that it does not oppose the operation of Sana’a Airport but objects to its use for military purposes.
Proposal for Safe Flights
In this context, President Alimi outlined a clear initiative from the Yemeni government. This proposal involves operating flights through Yemenia Airways to any agreed destination, with guarantees for the safety of flights and crews. He also mentioned the possibility of renting a plane to transport Houthi elements from Tehran, adhering to legal frameworks. The rejection of this initiative by the Houthis indicates that their claims are not humanitarian but rather an attempt to replace national carriers with Iranian flights, which no responsible government can accept.
Sovereignty and Airspace Management
President Alimi reiterated that managing airspace, approving international flights, and coordinating with civil aviation authorities are sovereign rights that only a UN member state can exercise. He cautioned that any direct dealings with armed groups in these areas not only undermine the Yemeni government but also dilute the practical significance of Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 2140 and 2216.
Global Implications of Armed Group Engagement
The President stressed that actions of this nature would not only have repercussions within Yemen but could also set a dangerous precedent. Such actions could empower armed groups worldwide to establish international relations and exercise sovereign functions outside state frameworks, undermining one of the core principles of the international system.
Call for International Support
President Alimi expressed his hope for a unified international stance aligned with the principles of the United Nations, aimed at protecting the sovereignty of all nations without exception. He reaffirmed the Yemeni government’s commitment to establishing balanced relations with all countries.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting also included Dr. Yahya Al-Shaibi, Director of the Presidential Office, who contributed to the discussions on enhancing Yemen-Russia relations.
This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen Yemen’s international partnerships while addressing critical issues of sovereignty and security.
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