SANAA, 17 May 2003 — Yemen and Iran called for an end to the US and British military presence in Iraq, saying an election should be held to form a government representing all Iraqi parties.
In a joint statement issued at the end of a two-day visit to Yemen by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Yemen and Iran “affirmed their adherence to the unity and integrity of Iraq’s territories and its national sovereignty, calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraqi territories.”
The statement urged the United Nations and the international community to “take on a crucial role in restoring peace and security in Iraq as well as rebuilding the country and pave the way for Iraqi people to pick a government that represents all groups through free and fair elections.”
Yemen and Iran expressed their readiness to support Iraqis through humanitarian aid, the statement said.
