Head of General Security for the Emirate of Dubai, Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan caused controversy once again by calling for Yemen to be divided into two.
Khalfan has reportedly blamed the Yemeni people for ousting former President Ali Abdallah Saleh claiming that Saleh has worked relentlessly to relieve Yemen from its problems including his attempts to have the country join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“Yemen’s unity has crushed both the north and the south,” he said on Twitter, adding that “unity should come out of conviction and not under duress.”
Khalfan, who is known for his proximity to decision making circles in Abu Dhabi, raised questions about whether his remarks actually represent the UAE’s official stance on the Yemeni crisis, in a country that allows a slim margin for opposition.
UAE relations with allied Saudi Arabia have strained over the past few weeks over Abu Dhabi’s position on the Yemeni crisis.
A Saudi source said in previous statements to the Arabi21 news site, that the Kingdom views with concern the UAE’s policy in Yemen and describe it as “contradictory”.
According to the source, the UAE backs Shia Houthi rebels and ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh while it participates in the Saudi led military offensive against them in Yemen.
Khalfan’s remarks stirred angry replies on Twitter, one activist wrote: “It seems that you envy Yemen and want to see it divided and small just like your country. For your information, Hadramout is twice the size of the UAE.” Khalfan replied: “Independence for the south is a legitimate right for the people of the south.”
Khalfan concluded by praising deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh blaming “the Yemeni people for sending the country into this stage”.
“If you did not revolt against him, he would have saved your country, he tried to have Yemen join the GCC but the Muslim Brotherhood and the boys revolted against him,” he said.