Sana'a: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed its categorical rejection and condemnation of the statement by the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, which addressed the issue of the UN employees arrested for espionage.
According to Yemen News Agency, the Ministry stressed that the UN Secretary-General should have requested that the United Nations be informed of conclusive evidence of serious espionage acts committed by some World Food Programme and UNICEF employees, which led to the targeting of state leaders, including the Prime Minister of the Government of Change and Reconstruction and a number of government members.
The Ministry emphasized that this should be done instead of rushing to deny the truth of this crime and other crimes committed under the guise of aid, exploiting the suffering of the Yemeni people due to ongoing aggression and blockade. It reiterated its call to the United Nations, its agencies, programs, funds, and employees to dissociate from acts and activities that violate their mandate, tasks, and functions.
The statement highlighted that violations by some UN organizations undermine humanitarian work and compromise principles such as neutrality, independence, and integrity. It accused these organizations of legitimizing espionage on behalf of countries and entities hostile to Yemen, including the United States and Israel.
The Ministry urged the United Nations and its Secretary-General to adhere to the UN Charter and international law and address the imbalances within the organization that threaten its reputation and standing. It expressed appreciation for international organizations committed to their humanitarian mandate and affirmed cooperation with them while warning of firm action against any hostile activities threatening Yemen's security and sovereignty.
The Ministry reiterated that there is no immunity for spies or saboteurs, as national security and the supreme national interest are paramount.