Hadi's Strong Criticism of Iran's 'Interference' in Yemen

The ousted Yemeni president, currently in Riyadh, stated in an interview with Al Arabiya that the Geneva talks will only discuss the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution and not negotiations with the rebels, adding that 'what Iran is doing in Yemen is more dangerous than Al-Qaeda.' In this interview, part of which aired on June 8, Hadi mentioned that the discussions regarding Yemen on June 14 in Geneva would not involve negotiations between the conflicting parties, but solely focus on the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution. He referred to a resolution that calls for the withdrawal of the rebels from areas they have taken control of. The Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iranian officials, along with their allies, especially the forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, have made significant advances in the country. On the other hand, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia is conducting airstrikes against the Houthis to restore power to the ousted government. Hadi reiterated his accusations against what he considers Tehran's 'interference' in Yemen, stating that Iran's actions in Yemen are worse than what Al-Qaeda is doing in the country. According to Hadi, 'Al-Qaeda can be eliminated,' but Tehran's 'interference' in Yemen is a 'systematic political action.' 'Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,' which is present in Yemen, is considered one of the strongest branches of Al-Qaeda, responsible for attacks such as the assault on Charlie Hebdo in Paris. Hadi said, 'I asked Iran: take your hand out of Yemen.' He added, 'I do not make these statements up. We had arrested people [in the past] who had been trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. They were in our prisons.' Iranian officials have denied these accusations on various occasions while harshly criticizing Saudi Arabia and the coalition's airstrikes in Yemen. Meanwhile, Khaled Bahah, Hadi's deputy, stated at a press conference in Riyadh that the government delegation is going to Geneva with a single goal: 'to implement [resolution] 2216 and restore [the government].' According to AFP, Bahah said that once the legitimate government returns to power, 'all political factions will sit down to negotiate to resume a political process... and approve the draft constitution and hold elections.' Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, on Saturday, when announcing the Geneva talks, urged all parties to participate unconditionally. Currently, both the Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government in exile have stated they will participate in the negotiations. However, battles have continued in the country in recent days, and for the first time since the recent crisis began, the rebels launched a Scud missile into Saudi territory. The UN Secretary-General stated that the goal of the Geneva talks is to establish a ceasefire, agree on the withdrawal of the rebels, and increase humanitarian aid to the people of Yemen. The Houthi rebels and their allies have controlled Sana'a, the capital, since last September. The coalition's attacks led by Saudi Arabia began on March 26.