Saudi Arabia Stresses Jerusalem as ‘Eternal Capital of Palestine’

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Jerusalem as ‘Eternal Capital of Palestine’

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz chairs a cabinet session in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reiterated on Tuesday its position before the United Nations Security Council on Jerusalem, rejecting Israeli measures in the holy city, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The cabinet declared that Jerusalem is the “eternal historic capital of the Palestinians” as stipulated by international resolutions.

The meeting was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and held at the Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

The gatherers warned that any measures taken by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem “are null and void” and may lead to igniting tensions in the Middle East.

They may also weaken chances to reach comprehensive and permanent peace based on the two-state solution, added the ministers according to Information Minister Dr. Awad bin Saleh al-Awad.

Turning to Yemen, the cabinet underlined the statement issued by the Arab Coalition, which called on all political and social communities in Yemen to exercise restraint and adhere to dialogue in regards to the developments in the temporary capital Aden.

The ministers stressed the need for sides to assume their national responsibility and unite their work with the Coalition in its efforts to restore legitimacy throughout Yemen and defeat the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

They called on all sides to shun factors that may lead to division and reiterated the Coalition’s call on them to halt the clashes.

The alliance vowed to take the necessary measures to restore security and stability in Aden.

King Salman also briefed the cabinet on the results of his talks with visiting US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan last week.

The cabinet then discussed the Kingdom’s participation at the World Economic Forum at Davos last week, where the delegation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s reform plans and future projects in line with Vision 2030.



UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)
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UAE to Pull Forces Out of Yemen

The UAE flag. (WAM)
The UAE flag. (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it was pulling its remaining forces out of Yemen.

In a statement, it said: “In light of recent developments and their potential implications for the safety and effectiveness of counterterrorism missions, the Ministry of Defense announces the termination of the remaining counterterrorism personnel in Yemen of its own volition, in a manner that ensures the safety of its personnel and in coordination with the concerned partners.”

It added that the UAE “has participated as part of the Arab Coalition since 2015 in support of legitimacy in Yemen, in backing international efforts to combat terrorist organizations, and in pursuit of security and stability for the brotherly Yemeni people. The UAE has made great sacrifices in achieving these objectives.”

“The UAE Armed Forces concluded their military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing the assigned missions within the agreed official frameworks,” it noted. “The remaining presence was limited to specialized personnel as part of counterterrorism efforts, in coordination with relevant international partners.”

It stressed that “this measure comes within the context of a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of the current phase, and in line with the commitments of the UAE and its role in supporting security and stability in the region.”


Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty
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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Yemen's Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen's Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

 

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement by General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

 

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.


President of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Nullifies Joint Defense Agreement with UAE

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
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President of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Nullifies Joint Defense Agreement with UAE

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)

President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi issued a presidential decree on Tuesday nullifying the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates, based on the Constitution of the Republic of Yemen, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the decision on the transfer of power, the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the powers granted to it under the constitution, according to the Yemen News Agency (Saba).

Article Two of the decree mandates that all UAE forces and personnel withdraw from Yemeni territory within 24 hours, according to SPA.

Article Three instructs the Homeland Shield forces to assume control of all military camps in Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.