Desertia:
Without any direct knowledge about this particular airline, I will give you a scenario:
Flight is done in two parts.
First part of flight European skies is done on a A330 which I suspect is in good shape and is acceptable to the French (read EU) authorities.
Once arrived in Sana'a, passengers are transfered to an A310 for the Moroni leg and second part of the flight. This A310 used to fly into Europe, but was "ramp checked" in France (EU) and found not acceptable to continue flights into the EU. Therefore, this A310 only covers destinations that are "friendly"........:
Perhaps that is what this minister was referring to.
Ps: This is a trick that has been used for decades...
Cheers
Colocolo