Yemeni President refuses the repetition the Iranian experience in Yemen
The UN and US special envoys to Yemen informed senior officials in the legitimate Yemeni government about answers that they have received from Houthi representatives concerning the new Saudi peace plan for the war-ravaged country.
Indeed, the new plan declared by Saudi Arabia during the last week comprises a nationwide ceasefire, opening Sanaa airport, and permitting entering of the fuel and other supplies on Yemen via Hodeidah and resuming the political operation.
On his part, Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi repeated during separate gatherings with each of the US and UN envoys his government’s support for peace efforts, which are based on international resolutions, the Gulf initiative and outcomes of national dialogue. He also reiterated that he completely refused Houthis’ repetition of the Iranian experience in Yemen.
Hadi stated that the Yemeni people will not accept the reproduction of the Iranian experience and the return of defunct clerical rule in Yemen no matter the cost, indicating that his government offered many concessions that have been met with intransigence from the Tehran-backed militias.
He also appealed the international community to financially backing the government for carrying out its duties and humanitarian activities and finishes the steps to execute the Riyadh Agreement, affirming the importance of the efforts of UN envoy Martin Griffiths.
On Friday and Saturday, Griffiths gathered with the chief of Houthi foreign affairs, Mohammed Abdulsalam, in the Omani capital, Muscat. He also gathered with Omani mediators as part of his efforts to persuade the militias to positively engage with the Saudi plan and restart negotiations.
Actually, this coincided with the US State Department declaration that Special Envoy Tim Lenderking was returning to the region for peace operation in Yemen.
Although that many people doubt about the Houthi return and commitment to serious peace efforts, diplomatic sources stated that the public position of the militias differs from what its officials are saying behind closed doors.
A diplomatic source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, informed Asharq Al-Awsat: We believe Griffiths’ visit to Muscat was positive. What is being rumored about a Houthi rejection is just what the group would like the public to know. Houthis are being serious when discussing peace efforts with the UN envoy.
