Assiri Stresses Need to Monitor Disbursement of Donor Funds, Aid Delivery Mechanisms

Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed Assiri, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition forces fighting rebels in Yemen, gives an interview to AFP at the King Salman airbase in central Riyadh, on March 16, 2016 (AFP Photo/FAYEZ NURELDINE)

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Head of General Intelligence Ahmed Assiri said the coalition supporting legitimacy in Yemen has contributed to preserving the components and identity of the Yemeni State, by enabling the legitimate government to communicate with the international community through its embassies around the world.
 
During a meeting that brought together international parties interested in humanitarian assistance under the auspices of the King Salman Aid and Relief Center on Sunday in Riyadh, Assiri emphasized the importance of holding a workshop at the level of specialists and executives to develop detailed plans to improve the performance of relief work and humanitarian assistance in Yemen and address deficiencies at all levels.
 
He also noted the need to follow up the disbursements of funds provided by international donors, pointing out that the Kingdom and the Gulf countries have fulfilled their financial obligations.
 
In this regard, Assiri said the Kingdom was still covering the budget for operating Al-Salam Hospital in Saada, from which the Saudi borders were attacked, out of the coalition’s belief that all Yemeni citizens were victims of the coup.
 
He also called on the international community to contribute to finding a political solution to the war in Yemen through the UN envoy, in order to put an end to the humanitarian crisis in the country.
 
Assiri underlined the need not to neglect the real reasons that led to the humanitarian crisis, stressing that problems in Yemen were the result of a coup by the armed militias that sought to dismantle the state, violate its sovereignty and implement Iran’s project in the region.