In an interview with al-Hayat this Wednesday, Yemen long-standing Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi expressed some concerns over former South Yemen President ali Salem al-Baidh's links and relations with the Hezbollah in Lebanon (where he now resides), warning against foreign meddling.
The FM noted that he already took the matter to Hassan Nasrallah, the Head of the Hezbollah (prominent Shiite political and para-military faction in Lebanon) as he believed the group' support of al-Baidh was interfering with Yemen's ability to negotiate its way out of the southern dossier.
Yemen NDC representatives have hit a critical roadblock in September when southern leaders refused to even consider the possibility of breaking up Yemen in five regions under a federal government system, instead they have called for a return of pre-1990 demarkation: North Yemen/South Yemen.
Minister al-Qirbi told al-Hayat on the matter, "Al- Beidh has unsound intentions” for Yemen's future and its political solution, because of his negative position vis-a-vis participation in the dialogue and negative contribution to resolving differences."
He complained that al-Baidh had been allowed to broadcast its pernicious political views under the direct protection of the Hezbollah via the group's TV network.
The FM made clear that in his views such a friendship is detrimental to Yemen-Lebanon relations. He also insinuated that Iran is a supporter of al-Baidh and his political stance through "material support."
"The Yemeni government asked the Iranians not to interfere in Yemeni affairs, and if they have any role to assume, they shall contribute with all parties in making the dialogue a success.”