Saudi Arabia: Cutting Relations with Iran Will Not Affect Peace Negotiations in Syria and Yemen

Abdullah Al-Maalimi, Saudi Arabia's representative to the United Nations, stated on Monday, January 4, that the severing of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran will not affect efforts to establish peace in Syria and Yemen. According to AFP, the Saudi representative at the UN emphasized in a press conference regarding the impact of the diplomatic break on peace negotiations in Syria and Yemen: "From our side, this (cutting relations) will not have an impact, as we will continue to seriously assist the peace process efforts in Syria and Yemen." Following the execution of Sheikh Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric and critic of the Saudi government, protests were held in front of the Saudi embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad, which ultimately led to attackers entering the embassy and setting part of it on fire. In response to this event, Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations with Iran on Sunday. Al-Maalimi also stated that Saudi Arabia will participate in the next round of peace negotiations in Syria and will not boycott these talks due to Iran's presence. The Saudi representative at the UN added that Iran was not a strong supporter of peace efforts even before this diplomatic break. Al-Maalimi mentioned that Iran has always engaged in provocative actions and negative stances, and he does not believe that cutting relations will change such behaviors. When asked what actions could lead to the restoration of relations between the two countries, he said: "It's very simple, Iran must stop interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, including ours, and cease this behavior." The Saudi representative at the UN added: "If Iran does this, we will definitely have normal relations with Iran. We are not Iran's inherent enemy." Meanwhile, Al-Maalimi expressed regret in a letter to Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, regarding his spokesperson's statement about the execution of 47 individuals in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi representative at the UN stated that all 47 individuals, including Sheikh Nimr, regardless of their "race and religious affiliations," received a fair trial. This comes as the execution of Sheikh Nimr sparked widespread reactions. The UN Secretary-General, the European Union, Germany, France, and international organizations condemned the execution of this Shia cleric.