DON’T ALLOW HOUTHIS TO DERAIL POLITICAL PROCESS

The Iranian-aligned Houthi militias have done it before and they are doing it again. Using peace negotiations as a tactic instead of commitment, they have been indulging in brazen attempts to derail the political process. The Houthi militia’s latest threat to launch more drone attacks is a direct challenge to the international community and should not be taken lightly.

Right from the beginning, the Saudi-led Arab Coalition’s sole intent has been to spread justice and uphold the legitimacy in Yemen.

The earlier gestures too by the Houthi militias regarding negotiations proved absolutely deceptive as they used the time to regroup AND Inlict more SUFFERING on THE YEMENI population.

As Dr Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for FOREIGN AFFAIRS, points out, SINCE THE start of HODEIDAH CEASEIRE, the Houthi militias have committed 464 recorded violations and broke commitments by not withdrawing from port.

Millions of people in Yemen depend on humanitarian food assistance for their survival and it is very important that it reaches those who most need it. Several children have already lost their lives or are still dying because they haven’t enough food to eat. The Houthi militia’s manipulation of food aid is a matter of serious concern for the international community.

It is appalling that the Houthi militias last week shelled the storage depots of relief organisations in Hodeidah, leading to the destruction of food supplies and basic goods intended for the Yemeni people. They deliberately shelled the storage depots with the aim of covering up their looting of humanitarian aid intended for the Yemeni people.

There have been many instances of the Houthi militias Coniscating Humanitarian Food AID with A view to sell For proit.

The United Nations World Food Programme had clearly accused the militias of disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Yemen. David Paisley, Executive Director of the Programme, rightly described these practices as stealing food from the mouths of the hungry.

The international community cannot afford to remain silent and watch the Iran-backed Houthi militias continue on their destructive path.

The political process is the only hope for Yemen. As Dr Gargash correctly pointed out, the United Nations Security Council must condemn Houthi intransigence and strategy of undermining Stockholm Agreement, and put pressure on Houthis and their Iranian backers to comply with UN resolution 2451.

There can be no other option for lasting peace.

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