ABU DHABI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates has expressed concern over recent developments in Yemen, urging all Yemeni parties to exercise wisdom and restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve their differences through dialogue, the state-run Emirates news agency WAM reported on Saturday.
In a statement, the UAE said it regrets the ongoing escalation in Yemen and calls on Yemenis to work toward security and stability in the country, stressing the importance of prioritizing dialogue over confrontation.
The statement reaffirmed that the UAE has fully concluded its presence in Yemen, including withdrawing its counter-terrorism teams, following an explicit request. The withdrawal was carried out promptly and in an orderly manner, reflecting the UAE's commitment to de-escalation and preventing further tensions, it said.
According to the statement, the UAE joined the Saudi-led Arab Coalition in 2015 at the request of Yemen's legitimate government to support legitimacy, combat terrorist organizations, and promote security and stability in Yemen, during which the UAE and its people made significant sacrifices.
The statement also warned that any further escalation could deepen existing crises and threaten regional security, reiterating the UAE's call for wisdom, sound judgment and dialogue-based understandings to help achieve lasting stability in Yemen and the wider region. ■
