Iran’s Foreign Minister has said Tehran welcomes normalisation of relations with Riyadh and hopes the Saudi side will play a more constructive role to this end, official news agency IRNA reported…reports Asian Lite News
“If we aim to reach a new stage in the talks with Saudi Arabia, all dimensions and aspects must be taken into consideration,” Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Saturday during a televised interview following his visits to Syria and Lebanon.
Regarding the situation in Yemen, Amir-Abdollahian added that Saudi Arabia has received a number of requests from Iran to cease the war in Yemen, Xinhua news agency reported.
Iran is opposed to war and its spread over Yemen, as it is in no one’s interest to continue the conflict, he said.
Over the past months, Iran and Saudi Arabia held several rounds of talks brokered by Iraq, following which Iran sent three diplomats to Saudi Arabia in January as a delegation to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to resume activities in Jeddah after a six-year hiatus.
Earlier in March, however, Iran announced it had “temporarily” suspended normalisation talks with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in protest against the attacks on its diplomatic missions in Iran following the kingdom’s execution of a Shiite cleric.
US NSA said that the attacks were clearly enabled by Iran in violation of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions prohibiting the import of weapons into Yemen, reports Asian Lite News
The United States condemns the Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and facilities in several Saudi Arabian cities, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement on Friday (Local Time).
“We condemn the Houthi attacks launched against Saudi Arabia’s civil infrastructure earlier today. Unprovoked Houthi attacks against Saudi Aramco’s oil storage facilities in Jeddah as well as attacks against civil facilities in Jizan, Najran, and Dhahran are acts of terrorism aimed to prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people,” the statement read.
The United States stands fully behind efforts to de-escalate the conflict through the UN and will continue to support partners in defence of their territory from Houthi attacks, he added.
Jake Sullivan (File Photo ANI)
US NSA said that the attacks were clearly enabled by Iran in violation of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions prohibiting the import of weapons into Yemen.
Notably, a fire broke out at the Jeddah oil depot on Friday ahead of Saudi Arabia Grand Prix race.
Yemen’s Houthi militia on Friday claimed responsibility for fresh cross-border drone and missile attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, the third such attack in less than a week, reported Xinhua.
“A number of bomb-laden drones targeted the oil refineries in Ras Tanura and Rabigh, as well as the Aramco oil facilities in Jazan and Najran … A barrage of wing missiles targeted Aramco oil facilities in Jeddah and the Saudi capital Riyadh,” Houthi military spokesman Yehya Sarea said in a statement aired by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
“We also launched several ballistic missiles at other vital Saudi targets in Jazan, Dhahran Al-Janub, Abha, Khamis Mushait,” the Houthi spokesman said, vowing to launch more attacks to break the blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition forces on the Yemeni ports under the Houthi militia control.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Saudi-led coalition forces said that “a total of 16 hostile attacks by the Houthi militia hit energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and we exercise restraint in order to make the Yemeni consultations a success,” the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV reported.
The meeting is slated to be held in Riyadh next week, convening Yemen’s political parties to discuss a comprehensive political solution to end the country’s seven years of civil war, which the Houthi militia has refused to join.
Earlier this week, the Houthi militia launched two other attacks against the same energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, using barrages of drones and missiles, as per the news agency.
Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened on March 26, 2015, to support the Yemeni government. (ANI)
Iranian Foreign Minister dismissed the claim that what happening in Yemen is related to Iran, adding that it is up to the Yemenis to decide the issues of their country, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia are facing problems and challenges but Iran is working hard to keep the dialogue open between the two Middle Eastern powers, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has said.
The diplomat, who is currently visiting Lebanon, on Friday said the contradictory behaviours of Saudi Arabia like the execution of 81 people, among whom are Shiite dissidents, affect the bilateral relations, and that Iran wouldn’t forget the death of 460 Iranian nationals in the Mina tragedy, a deadly stampede in Saudi Arabia on September 24, 2015, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported.
It was Saudi Arabia that has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, Abdollahian said, adding that “we have concerns about Saudi policy, but we have not cut ties with it.”
Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in protest against the attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following the Saudi execution of a Shiite cleric, Xinhua news agency reported.
Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia
About the conflicts between the Yemeni Houthis and Saudi Arabia, the Iranian Foreign Minister said, “Yemenis’ defending of their sovereignty is an issue of their own business, but Iran welcomes cessation of war and lifting of the (Saudi-led) siege of this country.”
He dismissed the claim that what happening in Yemen is related to Iran, adding that it is up to the Yemenis to decide the issues of their country.
Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of the northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the following year to support the Yemeni government.
Meanwhile, Abdollahian has reaffirmed Iran’s red lines such as lifting sanctions “to the maximum,” for reaching an agreement in the nuclear talks in Vienna, the Iranian Students’ News Agency has reported.
Abdollahian made the statement during his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut on Thursday, highlighting Iran’s determination to defend the red lines set for the nuclear talks to safeguard its interests.
“We are optimistic and serious about the outcome of the Vienna talks. In our view, the agreement should be such that lifting of sanctions is done to the maximum,” he told Mikati.
“We want the agreements to be in a way that benefits the region and expands our good relations with the countries of the region,” the Iranian top diplomat said.
The Saudi-US Air Forces of Strategic Combat Readiness (ACE) and Friendly Nations Integration (PNI) concluded the activities of their joint exercise today, according to the Saudi Press Agency…reports Asian Lite News
The exercise comes within the framework of strengthening military cooperation and exchanging experiences between the Royal Saudi Air Forces (RSAF) and U.S. Air Forces, developing their capabilities, and being an extension of a series of joint exercises aimed at raising efficiency and enhancing cooperation capabilities to face challenges.
OIC condemned the terrorist attacks against UAE and Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News
The foreign ministers of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the terrorist attacks against UAE and Saudi Arabia, welcoming UN Security Council resolution which declared the Houthi group as a terrorist organisation.
The OIC has also expressed their solidarity with the Yemeni people, calling for an immediate cessation of attacks targeting the civilians, violence against children, their recruitment and exploitation and the use of landmines. They also called on the removal of obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people.
The OIC declaration entitled “Partnership for Unity, Justice and Development” also expressed their concern about the intensification of geopolitical competition, the race armaments, the humanitarian and climate crises and the social and economic inequalities with their negative effects on peoples and the global political, security and economic system, it was reported.
Meanwhile, the Arab Parliament strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s aggressive attack with two booby-trapped boats against oil tankers that crossed Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
In a statement issued today, the Arab Parliament warned of the danger of the Houthi terrorist attacks against oil tankers, as they target energy sources, especially in light of the turmoil in global oil markets as a result of global events.
It called on the international community to play its role and act immediately to prevent any shortage of energy supplies at the global level, citing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s warning that the Houthi militias attacks targeting its oil facilities constitute a threat to oil supplies in global markets.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of Arab League (AL) Ahmed Aboul Gheit expressed great concern that the crises of the Arab region would be forgotten or ignored in light of the current tense international situation.
In his speech yesterday before the Security Council on cooperation between the Security Council and the Arab League, Aboul Gheit cautioned that these crises will not find their way to a solution on their own, but rather this international situation may inflame and complicate them further.
Gheit pointed out that in Yemen, the Houthi militia is still rejecting the principle of negotiation and a political settlement of the crisis, and instead, it used to resort to threatening its neighbours with drones and ballistic missiles, praising in this regard the Security Council Resolution 2624, which was adopted and imposed more sanctions on Houthi militia, with designate it as a terrorist organization.
The Saudi health ministry has ended the need for key COVID-19 travel requirements for those entering the Kingdom…reports Asian Lite News
Travelers arriving in Saudi Arabia no longer have to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. They also do not need to take a PCR test before departure for the Kingdom nor do they need to quarantine when they arrive.
The ministry announced the changes in a Twitter post on Monday evening.
The decision was made due to the decrease in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, now less than four percent. In addition, the vaccination rate in the Kingdom has reached 99 percent for those 12 years or older.
On March 5, Saudi Arabia lifted most preventive measures related to combating the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministry of Interior removed the need for masking and social distancing in outdoor spaces.
However, masking is still required in mosques throughout the Kingdom, including at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
On March 6, 2022, Health Ministry spokesman Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly announced the end of COVID-19 periodic press conferences.
“The Kingdom has almost overcome the pandemic completely, thanks to the expansion in the immunization drive and enhanced community awareness programs,” Al-Aly said.
On March 4, 2020, Saudi Arabia had decided to temporarily suspend Umrah for citizens and residents; for fear of the spread of COVID-19, the authorities had also decided to prevent pilgrims from visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
In October 2020, Saudi Arabia resumed Umrah after about seven months of suspension due to the global pandemic.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading financial institution, announced today the provision of US$61 million in financing for green-certified projects in Saudi Arabia…reports Asian Lite News
In collaboration with MUFG, Alimna Bank, Riyad Bank and Siemens Bank, US$480 million of green finance was allocated for three independent sewage treatment plants (ISTP) in the Kingdom.
ADIB acted as mandated lead arranger, hedge provider and Islamic finance agent for this transaction. In accordance with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, its blueprint for sustainable development and economic diversification, the three ISTPs will treat the wastewater of up to 2 million inhabitants and contribute to national efforts to conserve and reuse water. The key environmental features of the ISTP projects include the recycling of wastewater for agricultural activities, the treatment and reuse of sewage sludge for agricultural use as fertiliser, for cement manufacturing, and the use of renewable electricity to power the wastewater treatment plants.
ADIB allocates US$61 million provision for first green finance deal in Saudi Arabiahttps://t.co/MgkZoFFgtq
The developer of the ISTPs, ACCIONA, together with its local partners Tawzea and Tamasuk, is a leading company in the development of water and other sustainable infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The financing structure for the three projects – Madinah-3, Buraydah-2, and Tabuk-2 – incorporates an Islamic tranche for 60 percent of the value of the loans structured as an “Ijara Facility”, or Islamic leasing. The treated water will conserve freshwater resources for farming, with daily water savings expected to contribute directly to the nation’s water security.
Mike Davis, Head of Wholesale Banking ADIB, said, “The financing of these projects is an important part of the development of Saudi Arabia’s environmentally friendly infrastructure. In line with our vision of being a leading innovative Islamic bank, we strive to create a positive impact on society by supporting projects that incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. We are delighted to be empowering key sectors in the GCC to grow and become more sustainable through impactful finance solution and achieving their sustainability targets.”
The Project Companies developed a Green Finance Framework aligned with Green Finance Principles 2021 developed by the Loan Market Association, the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association, and the Loan Syndications & Trading Associations. Under this framework, the green finance will finance expenditures related to the wastewater treatment projects. (WAM)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the recent Houthi-claimed attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, a UN spokesman has said…reports Asian Lite News
“These actions damage prospects for peace and regional stability and are detrimental to the ongoing mediation efforts of our special envoy Hans Grundberg,” Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for Guterres, was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“We call upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation,” Dujarric added. “We strongly urge the parties to engage constructively and without preconditions with Grundberg.”
The special envoy aims to advance talks to reach a comprehensive negotiated settlement to end the conflict in Yemen.
On Sunday, the Houthi rebel militia claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Jeddah and other energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. It was the second of such cross-border missile attacks against Saudi Arabia in less than 24 hours.
The Houthi’s attacks on Sunday followed a few days after saying they were ready for peace talks when previous attempts to get the militia into such discussions failed.
The spokesman said Grundberg was in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday meeting the Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam.
Dujarric said they discussed ongoing UN consultations and efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, including a possible truce during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Grundberg is continuing discussions with the parties to the conflict.
A Saudi-led coalition supports the internationally-recognized Yemen government, forced from its seat in Saana by the Houthis.
The United States has transferred a “significant number” of Patriot missile systems to Saudi Arabia over the past month, The Wall Street Journal reports citing senior US officials…reports Asian Lite News
Riyadh had been requesting Patriot deliveries from Washington since the end of last year when the supply was running low.
According to The Wall Street Journal, it took the administration of US President Joe Biden several months to fulfil Saudi Arabia’s urgent request, amid high demand for Patriot interceptors among Washington’s allies .
A US official told the newspaper that the Patriot transfers are intended to help Saudi Arabia fend off drone and missile attacks carried out by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Yemen has been gripped by an internal conflict between the government forces and the Houthi movement for over six years. Since 2015, the Saudi-led coalition fighting on the government’s side has been conducting air, land and sea operations against the rebels. The Houthis often retaliate by firing projectiles and bomber drones on Saudi territory. The United Nations has described the situation in Yemen as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Two days ago, the Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and nine bomb-laden drones targeting civilian objects and economic installations in the Kingdom.
Following the attacks, a limited fire was also reported at the Aramco distribution station for petroleum products in Jeddah which was brought under control later.
“Initial investigations indicate that the militia has used (Iranian) cruise missiles that targeted Al Shuqaiq Water Desalination Plant and Aramco’s Jizan Bulk Plant,” said Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coaliton.
The targeted locations also include the power transmission station in Dhahran Al Janub, the National Gas and Industrialization Company’s Khamis Mushait Gas Station, and Aramco’s Liquified Gas Plant in Yanbu.
These hostile attacks and scattered debris as a result of their interception caused some material damages to the facilities, civilian vehicles and civilian houses, and no loss of life was recorded until the issuance of the statement.
He said these attacks are a dangerous escalation and represents Houthis’ approach towards the peace consultations offered by the GCC.
“They also represent the terrorist Houthi militia’s position in regards to the invitation extended by H.E. the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council in order to host inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni consultations, and underline the militia’s approach of rejection towards all international efforts and initiatives, including the Saudi Initiative, and reaching a comprehensive and sustainable political resolution to end the Yemeni crisis,” the statement added.
GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf had earlier invited all Yemeni parties involved to hold consultations under the auspices of the council, set for March 29 to the seventh of April in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (with inputs from ANI/Sputnik)
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister and his Russian counterpart discussed the situation in Ukraine as well as mediation efforts to end the crisis, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday…reports Asian Lite News
In a call to Sergey Lavrov, Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Saudi’s support for a peaceful resolution through negotiations. The top Saudi diplomat also discussed achieving this through the mediation proposed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
After calls with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia on March 3, the crown prince said Saudi Arabia was ready to exert all efforts to mediate between parties in the conflict in Ukraine.
Prince-Faisal
Realising the global economic fallout from the Ukraine conflict, top leaders of the world are keeping the Middle East heavyweights busy these days to ensure the stabilisation of oil markets and minimise the damage.
Last week, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to “warn of far-reaching consequences” and “galvanise global action” on the crisis in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) will vote on Wednesday on a draft resolution on Ukraine, the second such resolution since Russia began its invasion of Kiev on February 24, a spokesperson said.
The 11th Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly will be held after a letter requesting the resumption was received by UNGA President Abdulla Shahid, Xinhua news agency quoted his spokesperson Paulina Kubiak as saying to reporters.
“A draft resolution sponsored by Ukraine and other member states has been submitted and is being processed,” she said.
According to diplomatic sources, the new UNGA draft resolution focuses on the humanitarian situation, calling for the protection of civilians, medical personnel, aid workers, journalists, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure.
Earlier this month, the UNGA had voted overwhelmingly to censure Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The 141 votes cast on March 2 were 41 more than the 100 votes that a similar resolution on Russia’s takeover of Crimea in 2014.
