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Yemeni Presidency: Iraq Driven by Sectarianism | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi speaks with Iraqi officers during his visit on the outskirts of Fallujah, June 8, 2016. Iraqi Prime Minister Office/Handout via REUTERS


Riyadh, Baghdad- A high-ranking Yemeni official warned of Houthis’ intention to form an illegitimate government, a step which will complicate things further and obstruct the U.N. efforts to achieve peace and put an end to the Yemeni crisis. The official described the Houthis’ behavior as chaotic, accusing them of pushing the country into more danger.

The Yemeni official expressed regret that a country such as Iraq agreed to receive the Houthi delegation, referring to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, and considered his attitude as evidence that Iraq is now driven by sectarianism which is rejected by Iraq and Arab countries.

“It is no surprise that Iraq is now ruled by sectarianism. Maybe the Iraqi regime is now promoting this type of confessionalism which is not accepted in the Arab countries as well as Iraq. This act is not surprising especially that the sectarian government has followed the traces of the Persians,” said Yemeni Presidential Advisor Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Muflihi.

Muflihi added that the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs will likely contact its Iraqi counterpart to inquire about this shameful attitude that “does not represent the Iraqi people.”

The presidential advisor stressed that the government supports peace efforts and any initiative that serves the same purpose. Muflihi continued that the political council established by the Houthis or the government that would be possibly formed are illegitimate and hurdle the peace process.

Nadim al-Jabiri, an Iraqi politician and former secretary-general of the Islamic Virtue Party, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Yemeni party, which Iraq decided to form an alliance with, will not bring any strategic benefit to Iraq. “This alliance, which contradicts the U.S. policy in the region, might be a reason for the U.S. to reduce assistance to Iraq.”

“This stance might also trigger hostile statements from the Gulf because the Yemeni file represents a direct threat to Saudi national security,” said Jabiri, noting that these consequences should have been taken into consideration by the Iraqi authorities before meeting with the Houthi delegation in Iraq.