No Islamic Terrorists in Yemen: Ahmar [Archives:2000/45/Front Page]

Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Abdullah Ben Hussein Al-Ahmar, leader of the Yemeni Congregation for Reform (Islah) called upon Arab countries to meet in Doha to come out with strict and meaningful decisions that help restore Arab dignity. In a statement to the Yemen Times, Sheikh Al-Ahmar described outcomes of the Cairo Arab Summit as disappointing and letting down hopes of the Arab people. The summit was supposed to adopt a decision severing relations with Israel and close its embassies and offices, he added.
Qatar, the host of the meeting, came under severe criticism for not closing the Israeli office in Doha despite its latest good stance against Israel. Meantime, he praised Tunisia, Morocco and Oman for closing Israeli offices in their respective countries.
The Speaker accused President Hosni Mubarak of being behind the summits sheer failure. He also held some Arab countries as responsible for not performing their duty, speaking highly about Saudi Arabias position and the proposal to establish a fund to support the Intifada. He considered providing financial support to Mojahideen as a kind of sacred Jihad. It is only through Jihad that the occupied land can be liberated, especially after the peace process has turned to be a big hoax, he said. In this context, he urged Yasser Arafat to give a go to Palestinians to face the enemy, saying that the Palestinian state should take Hizb Allah as an example.
On the USS Cole blast incident, Sheikh Al-Ahmar refuted accusations against Yemen as being a shelter for terrorists. He added that the incident would not damage the relations with USA and that Yemeni government was providing the help needed to unravel the mystery.
Denying an MPs request to summon the government to question about the American heavy presence in Aden, he said that they had the right to do so if they wanted.
On the other hand, he said that he would visit Saudi Arabia before Ramadhan at an invitation by Saudi chairman of Al-Shoura Council. During the visit relations between the two sisterly countries and means of enhancing parliamentary cooperation will be discussed. He said that the joint committee would hold its meeting this month, without specifying the date.
Commenting on the constitutional amendments he said that the President had the right to ask for amendments. He said that the committee responsible for amendments had finished its work and it was expected to present peoples opinions and suggestions to the parliament for discussions.

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