SANAA, May 19 (Reuters) - Libya has said it backs the Yemeni government in its conflict with Shi'ite Muslim rebels, a week after Yemen said it would recall its ambassador over what it sees as Libyan support for the bloody insurgency.

"We are in favour of stability in Yemen and President Ali Abdullah Saleh against any sectarian uprising," said Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's special envoy to Sanaa, Suleiman al-Shuhumi, according to Yemen's official news agency Saba on Friday.

"We are always with legitimacy, strong solidarity and democracy. So we refuse any attempt at sedition."

Yemen said last week it was recalling its ambassadors to Iran and Libya over what it sees as their support for rebels led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi in the northern province of Saada.

Both countries and the rebels have denied the accusations.

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands have fled their homes because of clashes between the rebels and government forces. The government of mainly Sunni Yemen accuses the rebels of seeking to oust its secular administration and return to a form of Islamic rule prevalent in the country until 1962.

Saleh ordered the army in January to crack down on Houthi and his group, whom the government says preaches violence against the United States. The conflict has raged on and off since 2004.

Libyan officials were not immediately available for comment.

AlertNet news is provided by