A senior Yemeni government official says there is “high level coordination” between his country and the security authorities of Saudi Arabia to hunt down Saudi terrorists and criminals and return them to the Kingdom without any delay. In a telephonic interview, Brig. Gen. Abdul Qader Qahtan, Director General of Interpol and Foreign Relations at the Yemeni Ministry of Interior, stressed that his country had no problems with the Saudi authorities in this regard. “We arrest persons for whom the Saudi justice authorities have issued repatriation requests. The names of such persons are known and there are no reservations by the Yemeni side in disclosing their names, whether in cases concerning terrorism, those affiliated to the Al-Qaeda organization and those involved in criminal cases,” said Qahtan. Qahtan expressed astonishment at allegations that the Yemeni authorities are delaying handing over persons wanted by the Saudi authorities. “Yemen has never delayed handing over any person wanted by the Saudi authorities. We hand over the wanted persons immediately when the procedures, according to the regulations, are complete.” Qahtan would not comment when asked if Yemen has become a haven for foreign criminals and militants wanted by the authorities in their countries; and whether the country's rugged mountain terrain and tribal groups offer protection for these fugitives. Qahtan said the Yemeni authorities are determined to maintain security within its own borders and to implement joint security agreements with various countries. Qahtan rejected accusations that the country will not be able to maintain security for the Gulf Cup that the country will host this year. “Such talk is unacceptable. We are capable of maintaining security for any delegation coming to our country.” The 20th Gulf Cup of Nations is a soccer tournament to be held from Nov. 22 to Dec.4 in Sana'a and will see the participation of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman (holders), Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. However, Qahtan conceded that there are problems between Yemen and the United States and European countries with regard to security arrangements and the handing over of militants. “Security cooperation between Yemeni Interpol and the European countries and the US is facing some difficulties. This is in contrast to what is taking place between Yemen and the Kingdom and the rest of the Arab countries.”
