Iran denies role in Yemeni affairs

Iran has dismissed allegations about inteferring in Yemen's internal affairs, an official said Tuesday.

"It is noteworthy that such remarks are made despite the ongoing meddling and moves by some regional countries in Yemen contrary to the country's interests and security," Iran's foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said.

"The falsity of these claims is quite clear," Afkham added.

President of Yemen Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi had Monday accused Iran of supporting southern secessionists and northern religious groups in the Arabian peninsula, Press TV reported.

Afkham also stated that Iran has always supported integrity, unity and stability in Yemen.

"We believe that the issues in Yemen can only be resolved through dialogue and a political process in line with meeting the legitimate demands of the country's people and with the cooperation and participation of all the country's political groups, parties and currents without foreign interference," she said.

Afkham has asked for Yemen's co-operation to investigate the assassination of an Iranian diplomat in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and also to release another Iranian diplomat who was kidnapped in Yemen last July.

The commercial attache of the Iranian embassy in Sanaa, Abolqasem Asadi, was shot dead Jan 18 by terrorists outside his residence.

Administrative staff member at the Iranian Embassy in Sanaa Nour Ahmad Nikbakht was abducted July 21, 2013, when unidentified gunmen blocked the road and forced him out of his vehicle as he was on his way to work from his residence.

--Indo-asian News Service

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