Saudi Arabia does not seek war or strife in the region, but will not hesitate to protect its territory and people from its enemies, announced Saudi ambassador to the UN Abdullah al-Mouallimi.
The Ambassador reiterated the Kingdom's belief in dialogue as a peaceful resolution of disputes, noting that any call for dialogue should be consistent with an effective cessation of threats and hostilities.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East in New York, Mouallimi recalled the attack on Aramco in September where Iranian weapons were used. He indicated that oil production dropped by nearly 50 percent, stressing that this act of aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of international laws and norms.
Mouallimi pointed out that these attacks represented a major threat to the oil supply to global markets and therefore the global, and not just Saudi, economy. He explained that Saudi Arabia was able to bring production back to normal levels in record time.
The Ambassador also reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Palestinian cause and added that the Israeli occupation is a violation of international law. He indicated that any solution to the crisis should be based on a two-state solution in accordance with international references and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
Regarding the Syrian issue, Saudi Arabia welcomed the creation of a UN-sponsored constitutional committee by the Syrian government and the opposition.
The Kingdom welcomed this announcement “which is in accordance with the UN Resolution 2254,” Mouallimi said.
He confirmed the Saudi condemnation of Turkish military operations in northern Syria, stressing that none of the measures taken should aggravate the Syrian crisis and the suffering of the Syrian people.
He also warned against undermining the international efforts in combating ISIS in those areas, threatening the territorial integrity of Syria.
On the Yemeni issue, Mouallimi noted that the Kingdom provides full support to the government and people in light of the crisis it is going through and in all fields to reach a comprehensive political solution and restore stability in the country.
He pointed out that the Kingdom has hosted a dialogue between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council to help resolve the Yemeni crisis and confront the Iranian-backed Houthi coup.