SANA'A, February 22, SPA -- A Yemeni official source has expressed great astonishment at statements of head of Public Inspection at the office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran that Bahrain is an Iranian province, SABA news agency reported. The source said Iranian statements were not in favor of the Arab-Iranian ties and could harm the neighborhood and Bahrain's sovereignty. The source affirmed the Yemeni government and people's stand of support for Bahrain to protect its sovereignty and stability, categorically rejecting external meddling in its internal affairs. However, the source welcomed a recent statement by the Iranian Foreign ministry saying that the country respects the independence and sovereignty of Bahrain and expressed hope that the Iranians will exercise complete restraint for ever and no more issue any hostile statements that could undermine the stability of the region. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/637740