Houthis, the primary obstacle to peace efforts in Yemen

Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak stressed that the current peace efforts, led by the United Nations, with the help of Saudi Arabia and Oman, are focusing on reopening air and sea ports and lifting the siege by the Iran-backed Houthi militias on Taiz city.

He said the Yemeni government is sincere about ending the war and resuming the political process, with Saudi Arabia's support and the Kingdom's March 2021 initiative.

Peace efforts, however, are being hampered by the Houthis that are exploiting the current calm to stoke tensions, make more difficult demands and prolong the crisis, bin Mubarak lamented.

Bin Mubarak cited the example of the reopening of Sanaa International Airport, which is held by the Houthis, that has eased travel for the Yemenis.

Furthermore, he clarified that the legitimate government and Houthis were not holding direct talks. Moreover, he revealed that Iran has not changed its behavior in Yemen in spite of the agreement reached between Riyadh and Tehran in March to reestablish diplomatic ties.

“The arms and drones smuggling to the Houthis have continued,” bin Mubarak said. Iran is also still smuggling gas to the militias through Hodeidah port.

Any possible settlement in Yemen must lead to the Houthis abandoning war and violence as a means to impose their political agenda. Rather, they must be open to political partnership and equality between all Yemenis, he demanded.

On a possible political settlement, bin Mubarak said it must preserve Yemen's sovereignty, unity, security and stability. It must be based on the three references and lead to the formation of a state where the Houthis abandon war and violence.

The state should be the sole authority allowed to possess weapons, remarked the FM.