ABU DHABI 7 August 2018: The UAE has expressed its absolute rejection of any interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and voiced its vehement support for any actions or policies the country may take or adopt in this regard.
”The UAE stands in solidarity with Riyadh in the confrontation of any foreign interference that may undermine its sovereignty,” said a statement issued to Wam by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday.
The ministry underscored the importance of observing international norms and conventions that govern the relations between states based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
Saudi Arabia recalls ambassador from Canada
JEDDAH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has suspended diplomatic ties and halted new trade and investment dealings with Canada. The move comes following a statement released by the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the arrest of a women’s rights activist, Samar Badawi.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “disbelief” by the “negative” and “unfounded” comments made by the Canadian ministry.
“The persons referred to were lawfully detained by the Public Prosecution for committing crimes punishable by applicable law, which also guaranteed the detainees’ rights and provided them with due process during the investigation and trial,” the Saudi statement continued.
International Protocol
It went on to say that the ministry affirms that the Canadian statement is considered as “a blatant interference in the Kingdom’s domestic affairs,” and goes against basic international norms and protocols.
“It is a major, unacceptable affront to the Kingdom’s laws and judicial process, as well as a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty. Throughout its long history, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never accepted any interference in its domestic affairs by, or orders from, any country,” the statement added.
SPA went on to quote the ministry’s statement as saying that Saudi Arabia views Canada’s position as an “affront” to the Kingdom, calling for a “sharp response” to its meddling in Saudi sovereignty.
Canada’s use of the terminology “immediate release” was seen as an “unfortunate…reprehensible, and unacceptable use of language between sovereign states,” the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued.
Absolute Rejection
The ministry reaffirmed the Kingdom’s “absolute rejection” of Canada’s stance on this particular matter, re-confirming its commitment to “refrain from intervening in the internal matters of other countries, including Canada.”
It added that the Kingdom “categorically rejects any intervention in its domestic affairs and internal relations with its citizens. Any further step from the Canadian side in that direction will be considered as acknowledgment of our right to interfere in the Canadian Domestic affairs.”
Saudi Arabia recalled its Ambassador in Canada, adding that it considers “the Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia as Persona-Non-Grata,” and provided a 24-hour notice for the Ambassador to depart the Kingdom.
“The Kingdom will put on hold all new business and investment transactions with Canada while retaining its right to take further action,” the statement concluded.
GCC Secretary General supports Saudi actions
RIYADH: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdullatif Al Zayani expressed his support to the actions taken by Saudi Arabia against Canada’s Foreign Ministry and the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh.
Al Zayani affirmed, in a press statement, his condemnation and rejection of the Canadian action, which, he said, contained “false claims”.
He described the Canadian statements as an unacceptable interference in Saudi Arabia’s internal affairs.
“These statements are a clear violation of the principles of the UN Charter and also detrimental to the relations between Saudi Arabia and Canada,” Al Zayani added.
Arab League supports Saudi Arabia
CAIRO: The Arab League (A)L, has expressed its support for kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rejection of Canada’s interference into its internal affairs.
In a statement AL General Secretariat said the Kingdom’s diplomatic dispute with Canada reflects a non-positive attitude developed by some countries that point fingers of criticism at other countries in regards to their internal affairs.
The Saudi stance falls in line with the AL’s firm rejection of any foreign interference into the internal affairs of its member states, said the statement, which adds that AL’s stand goes in harmony with relevant international charters on the non-interference into the domestic affairs of sovereign states.
OIC expresses understanding of Saudi Arabia’s rejection
JEDDAH: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed full understanding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position calling for non-interference in its internal affairs, as a principle guaranteed by relevant international charters and norms which reject intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries and call for respecting their sovereignty.
Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen, the Secretary General of OIC, confirmed that the Kingdom is a sovereign state that boasts a widespread respect at the regional and international levels and that its judiciary enjoys full independence and has internal laws that guarantee, regulate and observe the civil society activities.
Arab Parliament expresses full solidarity with KSA
CAIRO: The Speaker of Arab Parliament, Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al Salami, has expressed full support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its decisions and actions regarding the statements issued by the Canadian Foreign Ministry and Canadian Embassy in the Kingdom.
He said in a statement, “The very negative and irresponsible phrase contained in the Canadian statement that Canada urges authorities in the Kingdom to release the detainees immediately constitutes an overt and blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom and a condemned demand that is contrary to the principle of the independence of the judiciary and applying the criminal justice”.