Sanaa rejects Riyadh geological understandings as “illegal”

SANAA, April 12 (YPA) -The Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Authority in Sanaa has strongly rejected any procedures or understandings with the Geological Survey Authority affiliated  with  the government loyal to Saudi-led coalition

In an official statement issued on Saturday, the authority said it had followed reports regarding a decision by the Saudi Council of Ministers authorizing the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding with the Saudi-backed government in the fields of geology and technical cooperation.

It described these steps as “illegal,” adding that they constitute an unlawful impersonation of the official competent authority, which it said is represented by the Sanaa-based authority.

The authority stressed that it is the body mandated to manage Yemen’s mining sector, including the signing of agreements and protocols with regional and international parties, reaffirming its rejection of any measures that conflict with its powers or undermine national sovereignty and the country’s resources.

It also announced the suspension of any ongoing arrangements or procedures with what it called “with illegitimate entities,” calling on relevant national authorities to take firm action to halt violations of sovereignty and to curb regional and international interference in Yemen’s affairs.

@E.Y.M