Head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting His Country's Sovereignty
Aden, July 16 (KUNA) -- Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi reaffirmed on Thursday the state’s commitment to taking all lawful measures to protect its airspace and national sovereignty. State news agency Saba reported that al-Alimi made these remarks during a meeting with Jonathan Beech, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Yemen, to discuss local and regional developments and bilateral relations.
Al-Alimi stressed that the Republic of Yemen will not permit any foreign aircraft to enter or land at any Yemeni airport without the approval of the legitimate government. This statement followed Iran’s operation of flights to airports controlled by the Houthi militia, which led to repercussions when government forces bombed the runway at Sana’a airport to prevent landings, forcing the flights to divert to the Red Sea coastal city of Hodeidah on Monday.
He clarified that the state’s response to recent developments was driven by its legal and moral responsibilities as a UN member state committed to protecting its sovereignty and avoiding escalation beyond the primary objective of the armed forces. He emphasized that restraint was not a concession of sovereignty, but a responsible exercise of it, highlighting the distinction between a responsible state that adheres to international law and militias that do not hesitate to use civilians as human shields in their senseless conflicts.
Al-Alimi pointed out that the legitimate government never closed Sana’a airport, as the Houthi militias claim, but instead offered all legal alternatives for operating the airport through the national carrier, Yemenia Airways. He noted that the militias rejected these solutions because they sought to use the airport as a tool to impose a fait accompli and serve Houthi leaders and their families, rather than serving all Yemenis without discrimination.
He expressed appreciation for the international community’s stance during the Security Council’s emergency session on Monday, condemning Iran’s blatant violations of Yemeni sovereignty and holding the Iranian regime responsible for supporting the Houthi militias in defiance of legitimate international resolutions, particularly Resolution 2216.
He praised the historical relations and enduring partnership between the two friendly countries across various fields, as well as the pivotal role of the United States in supporting Yemen’s security and stability, combating terrorism, and safeguarding regional security and maritime routes. (End) S.N.S
