Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques: Repeated violations of the sanctity of holy sites by the Houthi militia are a provocation of Muslims' feelings
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz condemned, during his chairing of the Council of Ministers session in Jeddah on Tuesday, “the attempt by the terrorist Houthi militia to repeat its targeting of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, which has drawn international condemnation and denunciation for the despicable crime it represents, violating the sanctity of the holy sites and provoking the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.”
The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted Information Minister Salman Al-Dawsari in a statement, saying, “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz appreciated the role of the military and security sectors and their valiant heroes in defending the nation and firmly confronting any aggression against the holy sites, the guests of the Two Holy Mosques, citizens, and residents on the Kingdom’s soil.”
According to the statement, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques began the session by “praising and thanking God Almighty, who has blessed this land with great favors and honored it with the service of His Holy House, the Prophet’s Mosque, peace be upon him, and those who visit them, including pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.”
He also “looked forward, as Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day (today) on Wednesday, to further achievements and successes in the nation’s journey of growth, progress, and leadership across all fronts.”
The Council of Ministers affirmed, “following its monitoring of regional developments, the necessity of adhering to the principles of international law, which stipulate respect for sovereignty, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the safety of navigation in international waterways, thereby safeguarding the security of states, realizing the aspirations of their peoples, and contributing to the protection of international trade and supply chains.”
In another development, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed “bilateral relations and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields.”
SPA stated in a statement that both sides discussed “the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made to achieve security and stability. They also reviewed the negative repercussions of the escalation on maritime security and the global economy, and exchanged views on several regional and international issues and matters of mutual interest.”
The Kremlin confirmed in a separate statement that Putin and Mohammed bin Salman “expressed mutual satisfaction with the level of cooperation achieved in the political, trade-economic, and humanitarian fields, and agreed to continue communications at all levels.”
It added, “An extensive exchange of views took place regarding the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region, with an emphasis on the fact that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the current crisis, taking into account the interests of all parties.”
Mohammed bin Salman and Putin stressed “the importance of ensuring the safe and unobstructed passage of ships through the region’s international waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits.”
In New York, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan; Egypt, Badr Abdelatty; Turkey, Hakan Fidan; and Pakistan, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, expressed deep concern over the fighting in the Middle East and affirmed the Kingdom’s inherent right to defend itself, its territory, and its people in accordance with international law.
Leaders of the group comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan stated in a statement, “We call on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian navigation, and to return to the political process in good faith.”
