Yemeni MPs back Saudi businessmen in land row 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Hadramaut MPs have refused to return to Yemen's Parliament until land seized in Mukalla is returned to a group of Saudi businessmen.

Mabkhout Bin Madhi, speaking on behalf of the 16 revolting politicians, told Arab News that they would continue to boycott Parliament until the businessmen got their land back.

"We suspended our membership in Parliament as an objection to the violations of judicial decisions that stated the land belongs to the businessmen," he said.

The dispute began when two influential Yemeni businessmen allegedly claimed ownership of part of the land.

Bin Madhi warned that the dispute could have an impact on investment in Yemen. "The delay of the case could undermine the investment climate. We want to encourage Saudi entrepreneurs to invest heavily in Yemen, not to stand in their way," he added.

The MPs sent a memorandum to Parliament on July 7 claiming that no action had been taken over the dispute.

The memo referred to eight verdicts announced by the primary court in Mukalla, the Hadramaut Appeals Court and the Supreme Court in favor of the Saudis.

The Saudi businessmen believed affected by the dispute include Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi, Abdullah Ahmed Bougshan, Issa'a Mohammed Awadh Bin Laden, Ahmed Othman Al-Amoudi, Alawi Mohammed Baroum, Suleiman Bin Laden, Mohammed Nasser Habtour and Mohammed Bamflah.

The MPs have given Parliament 10 days to resolve the issue before they suspend their membership.

By Saeed Al-Batati