President of Yemen Ali Abdallah Saleh in Support of Iranian Nuclear Program

Following are excerpts from an interview with President of Yemen Ali Abdallah Saleh, which aired on Dubai TV on September 25, 2006.

Ali Abdallah Saleh: We support Iran having nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We also support the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Arab countries having nuclear energy. We are now discussing with the Americans and Canadians the production of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This is a legitimate right.

Interviewer: Don't you have any doubts regarding the Iranian issue - that it is a cover...

Ali Abdallah Saleh: The brothers from Iran came to me, and we held talks with them. They said that they are obtaining [nuclear] energy for peaceful purposes. We support Iran obtaining nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Interviewer: Is this position of Yemen in line with the countries of the Gulf Council, or is there disagreement on this issue?

Ali Abdallah Saleh: Our position is the same as that of the Gulf Council. I do not see any difference.

Interviewer: They have concerns. They do not trust...

Ali Abdallah Saleh: Why should we fear Iran, but not Israel, which has nuclear energy? How come we fear an Islamic country, but do not fear Israel?