Saudi Arabia, GCC support legitimacy in Yemen - FM

LONDON, Sept 7 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir reiterated his country's and GCC States' commitment to restore legitimacy in Yemen and support the Yemeni government in resuming its role in running the country.
In a situation where a rebellious power takes advantage of the political vacuum in the country, such as in Yemen, Saudi Arabia would be forced to protect its borders and citizens from all dangers, Al-Jubeir said during a symposium, organized by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, commonly known as Chatham House, in London.
The Kingdom was committed to meet the Yemeni government's call to support the legitimacy in the country, he said, adding that his country was also forced to intervene upon the request of the legitimate Yemeni government to protect the country and deter the threats posed by the Houthi forces on Yemen and Saudi borders.
The Saudi minister also said that his country is also committed to the UNSC resolution 2216 to launch the political process in Yemen in order to end the ongoing war, noting that the Houthis can take part in the country's political process if they negotiate with the legitimate government on the appropriate measures and requirements to restore security and stability in Yemen.
On Saudi-Iranian relations, Al-Jubeir said that Tehran must stop intervening in the region's countries and backing terrorism, adding that the Islamic Republic must also respect the international law.
On the Hajj issue, he explained that Iran refused to sign the pilgrimage agreement in spite of the huge facilities provided by the Saudi government, preventing Iranian pilgrims, who intended to perform Hajj this year, from visiting the Kingdom.
On Syria, Al-Jubeir reiterated his country's commitment to the Geneva 1 Declaration, which calls for transferring power from Bashar Al-Assad before leaving the Syrian territory.
The Kingdom is currently hosting around 2.5 million Syrian refugees who live in residential areas and enjoy free health and education services, in addition to employment without requirements, said the Saudi minister. (end) kd.ma