Griffiths in Yemen shuttle diplomacy

UN envoy holds talks with Al Houthi leader as government insists on Hodeida handover

UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths yesterday left Yemen’s militiacontrolled capital Sana’a after a three-day visit that was aimed at restarting peace talks to end the country’s years-long war, according to Yemeni media.

He is expected later in the week to visit Saudi Arabia, which is leading an Arab alliance fighting Iran-allied Al Houthi militants, to discuss the outcome of his trip to Yemen.

On Friday, the British diplomat made a brief visit to the Yemeni Red Sea city of Hodeida, which has been in recent months at the centre of fierce fighting between government forces, backed by the Arab coalition, and the Iranian-backed Al Houthi militia.

Griffiths said the UN is ready for a leading role in managing the city’s vital port. Hodeida has been under Al Houthis’ control since late 2014 when they deposed the internationally recognised government and seized Sana’a too.

Government welcomes

While welcoming Griffiths’ efforts to break the stalemate in peacemaking, the Yemeni government insists on retaking control of Hodeida and its port.

“Any formula for running the port that does not include its return to the legitimate authority and Al Houthi militias’ departure from the city is unacceptable,” said Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Al Eryani.

He added in a tweet that the government welcomes any effort by Griffiths to convince Al Houthis of peacefully withdrawing from Hodeida and its port.

On Thursday, Griffiths had met in Sana’a rebel leader Abdul Malek Al Houthi, who demanded evacuation of injured militants to be treated abroad and later their return to Yemen.

A new round of UN-sponsored talks on Yemen’s peace is expected in Sweden next month. A previous bid crumbled in September after the Al Houthi team failed to appear in Geneva for the talks.