Pro-coalition government to take oath in Riyadh amid Aden security concerns

RIYADH, Feb. 08 (YPA) – A new government loyal to the Saudi-led coalition is set to take its constitutional oath in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, media sources reported Sunday.

The government, in a statement from pro-coalition Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman, ruled out Aden as the location for the ceremony. Noman’s comments sparked widespread debate over the choice of the location.

Pro-coalition analysts said the location would represent a major test for the new administration. Earlier reports indicated that Saudi authorities were making arrangements for the oath-taking to take place in Riyadh.

The new ministers are expected to take their oath later Sunday. Although this is not the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted a foreign government’s swearing-in despite constitutional prohibitions, the timing underscores Riyadh’s ongoing inability to secure Aden, where its forces remain deployed.

@E.Y.M