Saudi envoy briefs UN Security Council on Houthi violations

He spoke about the latest violations against Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed militia. (UN)
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Updated 15 October 2021
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Saudi envoy briefs UN Security Council on Houthi violations

  • UAE and Tunisian delegations join dialogue on militia violence

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UN on Wednesday briefed Security Council members on Houthi threats against the Kingdom.
Abdallah Al-Mouallimi highlighted the country’s position on the continuing threats against it, saying the council must assume its responsibility in preserving world peace and international security.
He spoke about the latest violations against Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed militia and discussed the recent letters sent to council members in the country’s name. 
Al-Mouallimi said Saudi Arabia had taken all necessary measures to protect its territories and preserve the safety of its residents and citizens, in line with international resolutions.
“And, accordingly, it should be made clear to the Security Council that the continuing terrorist Houthi attacks against the Kingdom is a very dangerous and serious matter that constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and poses a threat to the safety and security of the region.”
One example of these violations was the targeting of civilians at King Abdullah Airport in Jazan, through which thousands of people passed daily, the envoy said.
He also referred to another attack targeting Abha International Airport, where a booby-trapped drone was intercepted. Debris from the intercepted drone led to four people being injured and to window panes being shattered. 
He said the lack of strict and sufficient measures by the international community and UN Security Council was sending the wrong message to the Houthis and was encouraging them to continue destabilizing regional security and world peace.
Al-Mouallimi called on the council to assume its responsibilities to put an end to Houthis’ threats to world peace and security and hold the militia accountable.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN, gave a speech during the Wednesday meeting.
She stressed the need for the UN Security Council to condemn Houthi attacks on the Kingdom as they constituted a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and posed a threat to regional security.
Tunisia’s permanent representative to the UN, Tarek Ladeb, said the UN Security Council was preparing to issue a statement to condemn Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.
Tunisia is a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2020-2021.
Council members agreed on the need to condemn the Houthi attacks. 


‘Kingdom is on a path toward the light,’ says US Senator Graham after meeting Prince Khalid bin Salman

Updated 55 min ago
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‘Kingdom is on a path toward the light,’ says US Senator Graham after meeting Prince Khalid bin Salman

  • Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is on an official visit to Washington

DUBAI: US Senator Lindsey Graham believes Saudi Arabia is on ‘a path toward the light’, in a statement he issued after meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who is on an official visit to Washington.

“My engagement with Saudi Arabia over the past two days has given me a sense of confidence that the Kingdom – while it has its own interests – is on a path toward the light, not the darkness,” the senator said in his statement.

The senator also said he was looking forward to visiting Saudi Arabia soon.

 

 

“Over the years, I have developed a strong working relationship with Saudi Arabia. I know President Trump is a strong admirer of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. I have seen the changes the Crown Prince has embraced and I have been impressed,” Graham said.

The US senator added that after meeting with Prince Khalid, and Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan earlier, “I am convinced that Saudi Arabia believes the best thing for the region is economic growth and prosperity.”

“Saudi Arabia wants to be a destination of choice in the future, so that people around the world to come visit what I think is an incredible country. Saudi Arabia wants to be one of the dominant forces in Al, which means the best and brightest minds will come. I am convinced that this is still the goal of the Crown Prince and the Kingdom.”

Graham also expressed appreciation to what the Kingdom was trying to do in Syria.

“They have openly said they are the friend of both the Syrian government and the Kurdish people. The attitude of seeking compromise rather than destruction, hopefully, will win the day,” the senator said in his statement.

Prince Khalid is expected to discuss Saudi-US ties and ways to strengthen during his visit, and earlier met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.