Iran says backs Yemeni unity and stability

The Iranian Foreign Ministry says Tehran has always sought the best for Yemen and supported unity, stability and tranquility in the country.
 
“The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been based on wisdom, moderation, interaction with other countries, non-interference in their internal affairs, campaign against violence, extremism, terrorism and sectarianism and supporting legitimate and peaceful demands [of people],” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham said in a statement on Sunday.
 
Afkham also rejected claims that Iran is interfering in Yemen’s internal affairs.
 
“Continued consultation and partnership of all political and social parties, groups and currents in Yemen’s political process and vigilance of the considerate people will bring security and stability back to the country,” she added.
 
Afkham made the remarks in reaction to some Arab media outlets which had quoted Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi as urging Iran on Saturday to be “reasonable” in dealing with Yemen.
 
“Iran should be reasonable and logical in dealing with the Yemeni people,” Hadi was quoted as saying.
 
People in Yemen have held almost daily demonstrations across the country over the past weeks, protesting at hiking fuel prices and demanding the government to step down.
 
They have also rejected President Mansour Hadi’s initiative to form a new government and partially reduce fuel prices. The protesters said they will continue their mass rallies until all their demands are met. 
 
On numerous occasions, the Yemeni army and security forces have used force against protests. The Houthi movement that played a key role in the popular uprising that forced former dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down in 2012 is now a part of the comprehensively popular protests.