Saudi FM: Fighting al-Qaeda now a priority in Yemen
He expressed optimism about the ongoing talks in Kuwait between the Houthis and the government
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said on Friday that the priority in Yemen is no longer to wage a war against the Houthis but to fight al-Qaeda.
In an interview in the French newspaper Le Figaro, Jubeir said Al-Qaeda and ISIS are two terrorist organizations and they need to be contained. Le Figaro said Jubeir’s statement is evidence of a change in the situation on the ground in Yemen.
Jubeir added: “Al-Qaeda and ISIS are terrorist organizations. However, the Houthis are Yemenis and are our neighbors with whom one can hold talks.”
He expressed optimism about the ongoing talks in Kuwait between the Houthis and the government.
In tweets from his official account, Jubeir said whether we disagree or agree with the Houthis, they remain a part of the social fabric of Yemen.
He also said in another tweet: “ISIS and al-Qaeda are terrorist organizations that should not be given the chance to exist neither in Yemen, nor in any other part of the world.”
This article was first published by the Saudi Gazette on May 14, 2016.
Also Read
-
Asiri: Yemen army to enter Sanaa if talks fail
Yemen’s recognized government will launch a military operation to enter Sanaa if talks fail, the Saudi-led military coalition spokesman said Middle East -
Yemeni peace talks postponed indefinitely
The UN special envoy to Yemen held talks on Sunday with the two warring sides a day after the govt pulled out of direct negotiations Middle East -
Yemen warring foes resume face-to-face talks
It will be only the second day of face-to-face talks in the hard-won negotiations to end a devastating conflict Middle East -
Are Yemen peace talks an exercise in futility?
The talks in Kuwait have been dragging on slowly since they started on April 21 Middle East
