JEDDAH, 16 February 2003 — Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh yesterday urged Arab countries to adopt a stronger stand against a possible US-led war on Iraq.
“We should have played a pioneering role in this anti-war campaign and should have requested support from the Europeans and others,” he said.
Speaking to reporters before leaving the Kingdom for Yemen after performing Haj, the president also highlighted the growing Saudi-Yemeni relations following a landmark border agreement between the two neighbors.
“All disputes have ended with the signing of the border accord,” Saleh said, adding that people in both countries have welcomed the historic move.
Saleh, who came to perform Haj by land crossing Abha, Baha and Taif, commended the Saudi government’s services for the welfare and security of pilgrims.
“The Kingdom has done its duty and more toward the guests of God,” he said and urged pilgrims to cooperate with Saudi authorities.
Referring to the Iraqi crisis, the president said: “Not only Yemen but also all Arab and Islamic countries are against war and they call for peace.” He said a stronger Arab stand will strengthen the ongoing French, German, Russian, Belgian and Chinese initiatives to avert war.
He said Arab and Islamic countries wanted the UN inspectors to be given more time to find out if Iraq actually possesses weapons of mass destruction.
Asked whether Yemen would take part in the proposed emergency Arab summit, he said it would depend on the summit’s agenda. “We support Arab summits having an agenda agreed in advance,” he added.
Saleh highlighted Sanaa’s efforts to combat terrorism. “We have achieved excellent results. We have arrested all suspects linked with the attacks on USS Cole in Aden and the French Destroyer in Hadermout, including those who had run away to neighboring countries,” he said. Judicial authorities are now looking into their cases, he added.
Saleh left Jizan yesterday after attending a reception accorded in his honor by Jizan Governor Prince Mohammed ibn Nasir. He arrived in Jizan from Madinah after visiting the Prophet’s Mosque.
