Yemen didn’t renew call for dialogue with al-Qaeda: spokesman

SANAA, Jan. 13 (Saba) – A spokesman for Foreign Ministry has denied reports that Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi had renewed an offer to open dialog with al-Qaeda militants.

Speaking to Saba, the spokesman said that what some Arab and foreign media reports regarding this issue were contradicted with what al-Qirbi said during the news conference that held Tuesday in Sana’a.

“The Foreign Minister clearly repeated, in the news conference, the recent call of President Ali Abdullah Saleh on al-Qaeda elements to open dialogue that has a variety of means to counter the threat of terrorism, including intellectual dialogue with extreme elements”, said the spokesman.

"Any dialogue with al-Qaeda will be a part of a program adopted by the government to open the door for those deceived elements to renounce violence and return to the right path and get involved in their community as good citizens".

At an interview for the UAE-run Abu Dhabi Satellite TV, President Saleh has said that he had called for a dialogue without resorting to violence or force and without disturbing public peace.

“Dialogue is the best method, it can even include the al-Houthists and al-Qaeda
provided they surrender their weapons, abandon violence and
terrorism, and return to reason”, said Saleh.

“But if Al-Qaeda, the Houthists or others continue to carry out acts of violence and terrorism, we will chase them to the best of our ability, for they are a threat not only to
Yemen but also to world security and peace, especially al-Qaeda”.

President Saleh confirmed that Yemen would continue working together with Arab and foreign partners to fight terrorism, pointing out that Yemen will remain unified, strong and independent.

YA