OBAMA, KING SALMAN DISCUSS YEMEN, AQSA MOSQUE

Washington,  5 Dhulhijjah 1436/19 September 2015 (MINA) –  President Barack Obama and Saudi King Salman Abdulaziz on Wednesday discussed the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and tension and violence at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, according to a White House statement.

“They reaffirmed their commitment to work expeditiously to allow for unfettered access to all forms of humanitarian assistance, including fuel into Yemen, and the opening of Red Sea ports,” the statement said, Anadolu Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

In a telephone call, the two leaders also assessed the steps they have taken to mitigate the humanitarian crisis, including the U.S. announcement Wednesday of a $90 million humanitarian aid package to victims affected by the conflict in Yemen.

Nearly 13 million Yemenis face food shortages that are expected to worsen as the conflict continues.

The White House did not give details on the discussion about violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Recent incursions by Israeli security forces into occupied East Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound have led to days of conflict between Israeli forces and Muslim worshippers. (T/P010/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)