The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied, andThe existence of any signed agreement between the Yemeni government and any foreign country to build military bases on Yemeni territory.
In an interview with “Sputnik”, Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak confirmed that no Yemeni party has the right to relinquish an inch of Yemeni soil, because this issue is sovereign.
Regarding the reports on the UAE’s establishment of an air base on Mayon Island: Bin Mubarak said, “Agreements of this kind must be approved by the Yemeni Parliament. These are sovereign issues. We have a major constant. The entire Yemeni soil, water and sky are basic constants that no party has the right to concede. Therefore, there is absolutely no agreement signed with anyone regarding the establishment of a military base on Yemeni territory.”
Regarding the reports about the presence of Israeli intelligence bases on the island of Socotra, bin Mubarak said: “This is not true. There are no bases in Socotra. These are all incorrect reports and there is a great exaggeration in this matter, there are no Israeli military bases in Socotra, there are limited forces. From the Yemeni army, there are forces loyal to the Transitional Council, and there is strength for the brothers in the Kingdom.”
Regarding organizing tourist trips to Socotra without the permission of the Yemeni government, the minister stressed that the matter was discussed with the embassies of the countries concerned, saying: “The matter has become known to all European embassies that had citizens who have organized trips to Socotra without the knowledge of the Yemeni government, and we will prevent the organization of this type of trips. Without the consent of the Yemeni government, this is a sovereign issue for us as Yemenis.”
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