Saudi Foreign Minister announces initiative to include the opening of Sanaa airport for flights in the first phase • Highlights: "The ball is now in the Houthi pitch"
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan
Photo:
Reuters
On the way to a ceasefire in the war in Yemen?
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan today (Monday) announced an initiative to end the fighting.
At a press conference held in Riyadh, Ben Farhan clarified: "We want a comprehensive ceasefire ahead of a political dialogue and the ball is now in the Houthis' court."
The Saudi foreign minister added that there was no sign at the moment that the Houthi militia wanted peace.
He said the kingdom was in coordination with the UN to put an end to the crisis in Yemen. He noted that Saudi Arabia would continue to support the Yemeni people and their legitimate government, referring to the southern government.
Ben Farhan attacked Iran's involvement in the situation in Yemen, insisting that Saudi Arabia preserve its right to defend itself in Yemen.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have attacked targets deep in Saudi Arabia, including oil facilities in Riyadh and the northeast of the kingdom.
According to the Saudi Foreign Minister, the initiative includes the opening of Sanaa Airport for direct, regional and international flights, and a permit to import fuel and food products.
The airport is under Hutu control.
Under the initiative, the second phase will begin a round of consultations between the parties in Yemen to reach a UN-mediated political solution and based on Security Council Resolution 2216, the Gulf states initiative and the results of the national dialogue.