Egypt announced that it is closely monitoring recent developments in Yemen and is conducting intensive, round-the-clock contacts at the highest levels with all relevant parties.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, Egypt affirmed its complete confidence in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to deal wisely with the current developments in Yemen.
Egypt called for upholding Arab unity during this critical period for Yemen and the region.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry expressed its deepest appreciation for wise approach from the Saudi and Emirati leaderships towards the evolving situation in Yemen and their commitment to achieving stability, preserving Yemen’s sovereignty, and protecting the interests of its people.
Egypt affirmed that it will spare no effort in continuing its ongoing contacts with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as with the Yemeni side and other relevant regional and international parties, to work towards de-escalation.
It emphasized its commitment to working towards a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen that fulfills its legitimate aspirations towards a secure and prosperous future and support stability in the region.
Yemen’s crisis deepened by the end of 2015, particularly in the eastern Yemeni governorates of Hadramawt and al-Mahra, where a public dispute emerged between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the two main allies in the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, which was formed in 2015 to confront the Huthis.
The dispute stems from the UAE’s support for the Southern Transitional Council, which seeks the secession of southern Yemen and the establishment of an independent state, versus Saudi Arabia’s support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council headed by Rashad al-Alimi, and its commitment to preserving the unity of Yemen.
Strikes in Yemen
The Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on the port of Mukalla in Hadramawt on Tuesday, targeting a shipment of weapons and armored vehicles that it said arrived from the Emirati port of Fujairah without coordination and was destined for the separatist Southern Transitional Council forces.
This was followed by the Presidential Leadership Council declaring a 90-day state of emergency, canceling a defense agreement with the UAE, demanding that Abu Dhabi withdraw its forces within 24 hours, and imposing a temporary air and sea blockade.
Saudi Arabia responded with a statement from its Foreign Ministry describing the UAE’s support for the escalation as “extremely dangerous,” considering it a threat to its national security and a red line.
It further demanded the immediate withdrawal of Emirati forces.
The UAE issued a statement expressing its regret over the accusations, rejecting claims of interference, and affirming its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and the stability of the region.
