RIYADH: France, South Korea and Mexico have denounced the Houthi militias and their cohorts for the ballistic missile attack on Riyadh, while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) warned against provocative escalation of attacks by the Iranian-backed militants.
OIC stressed in a statement that the clear and open support provided by some parties to the Houthi militias, which proved to be a justification for the logic of violence, will unavoidably lead to placing them in a position of accountability.
The OIC expressed its deep regret at the reports indicating the involvement of these parties in the escalation, which is a flagrant violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 2216, and a disregard of principles of OIC and international charters, calling for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.
It added that “such blatant aggression would only further undermine the means to bring peace, security and stability to the region.”
The OIC also pointed out that it is following with great concern the repercussions of the ballistic missile attack on Riyadh which constitutes a serious violation of international law and an infringement of the safety and inviolability of the Kingdom’s territory.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron slammed the missile attack during his first visit to the Middle East on Thursday.
Macron met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh and discussed developments in the Middle East as well as efforts being exerted toward regional security, including joint coordination in the fight against terrorism.
The two leaders also discussed opportunities to further develop bilateral cooperation in line with Vision 2030.
Moreover, the Republic of South Korea on Friday denounced the ballistic missile attack by Yemeni rebels which targeted the airport in the capital.
The South Korean Embassy spokesman in Riyadh told Arab News that the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the missile attack and calling for efforts to help build peace in the Middle East region.
The ministry said in a statement: “The South Korean government is paying attention to the Saudi government’s announcement of the interception, and condemns the missile attack, which threatened the safety of civilians and international travel.”
“The South Korean government urges all relevant parties in Yemen and neighboring countries to make efforts to recover peace and stability in Yemen and the Middle East region,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Mexican government condemned the missile attack from inside Yemeni territory toward the city of Riyadh, which the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces intercepted, avoiding casualties and damage.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement that Mexico totally rejects the ballistic missile attack against innocent people and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, calling on the concerned parties to stop the aggressive attacks on the Kingdom’s territory.
Earlier, an array of world leaders condemned the Houthi missile attack on the Saudi capital.
OIC warns against provocative escalation of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis
OIC warns against provocative escalation of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis
Scouts record 45,000 volunteer hours serving pilgrims at Grand Mosque in Ramadan
- Volunteers guide pilgrims, organize prayers areas, distribute water
- 600 young men and women scouts will work until end of Ramadan
RIYADH: Volunteers participating in the Umrah service camp supervised by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association at the Grand Mosque in Makkah have contributed over 45,000 hours during the first half of Ramadan.
Six-hundred young men and women scouts, representing various teams across the Kingdom, participated in the camp’s activities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
They helped to guide pilgrims, organize prayer areas, support security and service personnel, care for children, and provide water and fragrances in the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.
The scouts supported the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques and the public security sectors.
Three-hundred scouts participated in guidance and orientation with 22,500 hours, while 180 scouts assisted with public security services for 13,500 hours.
Sixty scouts who participated in the organization of prayer areas recorded 4,500 volunteer hours.
Additionally, 30 scouts participated in the Little Pilgrim Initiative, which focuses on caring for the children of pilgrims while their parents perform Umrah, contributing 2,250 hours.
In support services, 15 scouts participated in the water distribution initiative, contributing 675 hours.
Another 15 scouts contributed to the fragrance distribution initiative in the corridors and courtyards of the Grand Mosque, achieving 1,125 hours.
Camp leader Ziyad Qadir said the services of the scouts would continue until the end of Ramadan. He said the camps develop a sense of social responsibility and national belonging among young people.
