DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said it rejects all allegations made against it on developments in Aden, adding that it was renewing its “firm position” as a coalition partner, and determined to continue efforts to calm the current situation in southern Yemen, state news agency WAM reported.
Saud Hamad Al-Shamsi, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the comments before the special ministerial meeting held by the UN Security Council on Tuesday discussing challenges faced in achieving peace and security in the Middle East.
Al-Shamsi stressed the UAE's concern expressed in a recent official statement about the armed clashes in Aden between the legitimate Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, and its call for calm and non-escalation in order to maintain the security and safety of Yemeni citizens.
He explained that this is the same position taken by the UAE as a key partner within the coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
In his statement, Al-Shamsi also reiterated the UAE's support for the restoration of the legitimate government in Yemen and its subsequent stability.
He said that at the official request of Yemen, as a member of the Saudi-led coalition, the UAE has taken action against Houthi attacks.
"We do not forget the important role played by my country in the liberation of Aden and most of the territories occupied by the Houthis, and in turn prevented terrorist groups from exploiting the security vacuum during these sensitive and difficult stages," Al-Shamsi said.
He added: "The UAE has been able to play a role in the great efforts that have been made to rebuild the liberated areas, to provide generous material and technical support to the Yemeni people, and in the face of the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula."
Al-Shamsi renewed his country's support for the efforts of the Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths.
