GCC Chief Welcomes US Designation of Houthis as Terrorist

GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf.
GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf.
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GCC Chief Welcomes US Designation of Houthis as Terrorist

GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf.
GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf welcomed on Tuesday Washington’s move to designate the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen as terrorist.

He said the designation is a “necessary step that is in line with the Yemeni government’s demand to put an end to the militias’ dangerous violations against the brotherly Yemeni people.”

The move also confronts the Houthis’ “constant insistence on resorting to military options to destabilize the region to implement the agendas of the Iranian regime,” he added.

Al-Hajraf hoped the blacklisting would put a stop to the practices of the militias and their backers, whereby it would ensure that they are no longer provided with ballistic missiles, drones and various weapons that are used against the Yemeni people and to threaten international marine navigation and neighboring countries.

Furthermore, he hailed the major efforts exerted by the United States in combating terrorism, stressing the need for the international community to follow its example in designating the Houthis given their heinous violations against the Yemeni people, neighboring nations, international marine routes and UN peace efforts.

The Gulf countries are keen on restoring the security and stability of Yemen and they support UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution based on the Gulf initiative, national dialogue outcomes and UN Security Council resolution 2216, he stressed.



UAE Lifts Lebanon Travel Ban

The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE Lifts Lebanon Travel Ban

The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE Embassy in Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The United Arab Emirates lifted a ban on its citizens travelling to Lebanon allowing trips to the country as of May 7, 2025, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
The decision came at the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a bid to bolster brotherly relations between the two countries.
The decision came after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun paid the UAE an official visit and met Al Nahyan. They discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations and agreed on easing travel restrictions.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to the safety and security of UAE citizens abroad. It urged all those planning to travel to Lebanon to fully comply with the guidelines issued by the ministry to ensure a safe and orderly travel experience.