The Saudi Arabian government reiterated on Tuesday its condemnation of Yemen’s Houthi insurgents’ firing of a ballistic missile towards Riyadh, saying that it demonstrates Iran’s involvement with the militant group, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The cabinet added in a statement that this “blatant aggression targets regional countries and international security and peace,” stressing that the Kingdom reserves the right to defend its land and people in accordance to article 51 of the United Nations charter.
Furthermore, the ballistic missile attack clearly defies and violates UN resolution 2216 on Yemen, said the statement read by Information Minister Dr. Awad bin Saleh al-Awad.
No one was injured in the missile attack, which was intercepted in Riyadh.
The cabinet session was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who briefed the ministers on the telephone calls he had with US President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
He also briefed them on the talks he had with visiting resigned Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and other officials.
The cabinet, which met at the Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, hailed King Salman’s decree to form a higher anti-corruption committee, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
The decree stems from the King’s responsibility towards the nation and its citizens, said Awad in his statement.
It also stems from his recognition of the dangers of corruption and its negative impacts on the state on the political, economic, social and security levels.
The anti-corruption committee will bolster national sustainable development programs and cement the reform approach of the government of King Salman in uprooting corruption, said the statement.
Furthermore, the Saudi cabinet strongly condemned a report that said that the UN was presenting $14 million to the so-called Yemeni education ministry, which is affiliated with the Houthi militias.
It said that the ministry was planting thousands of mines in Yemen and on the border with Saudi Arabia.
It demanded that the UN reconsider its report in a way that reflects the facts on the ground, which are being ignored, and that commits to all UN agencies and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The Saudi government said that the UN support for the rebel Houthi militias was “unacceptable and unjustifiable.”
