Sana'a:Mohammed Abdulsalam, the head of Yemen's National Negotiating Delegation, has expressed support for the call from Al-Azhar Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb to end regional conflicts. Abdulsalam emphasized that Yemen has never posed a threat to Saudi Arabia nor initiated any conflict with the Kingdom.
According to Yemen News Agency, Abdulsalam communicated his gratitude in a message to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, acknowledging the Imam's efforts to promote peace and dialogue in the region. He highlighted that the ongoing conflict between Yemen and Saudi Arabia is a result of Saudi military aggression beginning in 2015, rather than any hostility from Yemen.
Abdulsalam recounted that before the conflict escalated, Yemen experienced internal political and military disputes. In early 2015, he was sent by Mr. Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi to convey a message to Saudi Arabia, reassuring them that Yemen's internal revolution was not a challenge to the Kingdom and emphasizing Yemen's readiness to resolve political disagreements peacefully.
The conflict escalated when Saudi Arabia, under King Salman, launched airstrikes on Yemen in March 2015, marking the start of Operation Decisive Storm. Abdulsalam condemned the strikes as unjustified acts of aggression that have exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
Abdulsalam argued that Saudi Arabia's intervention has been counterproductive, further fueling the conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions in Yemen. He criticized Saudi Arabia for its continued blockade and for failing to honor commitments made during a truce established in 2022.
The National Negotiating Delegation head also criticized recent Saudi airstrikes on Sana'a International Airport, labeling them as provocations that have undermined the truce and led to renewed hostilities. He called for a resolution based on justice and fairness, welcoming the possibility of mediation by a committee of wise individuals from Al-Azhar to help achieve lasting peace in the region.
