JEDDAH/SANA'A: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs is exerting efforts at all levels in Yemen for the release of Saeed Al-Malki, the abducted Saudi diplomat, said Ambassador Osama Nuqali, head of the Ministry's Information Department. The diplomat was kidnapped Friday in Sana'a. Sources said a delegation of government and tribal people has headed to the Assarirain area, where Al-Malki is being held, to persuade the kidnappers to release him. The head kidnapper, Abdrabu Nasser Al-Salmi, belongs to Bani Dhabyan tribe. Nuqali said officials are primarily concerned with Al-Malki's safety, adding that communication with Yemeni authorities and the Saudi embassy in Sana'a has been continuing since the abduction. Abdulqawi Ahmad Abbad Shareef, Sheikh of Bani Dhabyan tribe, condemned the kidnapping. “This horrendous act does not depict the tribe's morals and values,” he said. He said he was determined to have Al-Malki released as soon as possible. He said he was following up the matter and is determined to have Al-Malki released as soon as possible, adding that he and members of the tribe are working for his unconditional release. “We have formed a tribal delegation and it has started negotiations with the kidnappers,” he said. “The delegation is working quietly and wisely. Al-Malki is well.” A security source in Sana'a said a meeting involving Sana'a Governor Noman Duwaid and government and tribal figures was held Sunday to review the latest efforts for the diplomat's release.
