Riyadh announces political initiative to end war in Yemen
Saudi Arabia announced an initiative yesterday to end the seven-year war in Yemen, proposing a national ceasefire, humanitarian measures and intra-Yemeni talks.
The initiative from Riyadh was drawn up with UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and US envoy to the conflict Tim Lenderking. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the initiative aimed to end the war.
The plan will include proposals for a national UN-supervised ceasefire, the reopening of Sanaa International Airport to a number of direct regional and international destinations and the start of consultations between Yemeni parties to reach a political resolution.
It will also include reconstruction and aid support to Yemen. Prince Faisal said the “ball is now in the Houthis’ court” to end the conflict and that a complete ceasefire could be followed by a political solution.
He addressed Iran’s involvement in Yemen, asking for an indicator from the Iranians that they understand their neighbours’ concerns.
“In Yemen we see them aiding the Houthis with advanced weaponry, targeting civilian airports and oil installations,” he said.
Any closeness with Iran requires “good intentions”.
In an earlier briefing, a senior Saudi official said the initiative would go into the implementation phase as soon as the Yemeni parties agreed to it.
The Houthis and the internationally recognised government have been locked in a power struggle since 2014, when the Iran-backed rebels overran the capital Sanaa.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition in support of the government since 2015. UN efforts to mediate an end to the conflict looked hopeful in December, 2018, with an agreement reached in Stockholm for ceasefires in Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa and a successful prisoner exchange.
But new front lines opened up. In recent weeks, Houthi rebels have been gaining territory near Marib, a government stronghold in the north of the country.
The city is seen as a safe haven, taking in internally displaced people from Houthi-controlled areas, and host to more than 130 displacement camps. If Houthis were to take control of the area, yet another humanitarian crisis would be sparked, sending millions fleeing the fighting once more. The rebels have also increased attacks across the border into Saudi Arabia over the past few months.
A Saudi coalition official said the Houthis were facing increased casualties and had a choice between accepting the national ceasefire in the initiative or continuing the operation and risking a point of no return.
Yesterday’s announcement followed extensive diplomacy by the US and an emphasis on Yemen since Joe Biden’s inauguration as president in January.
Mr Lenderking has made two trips to the Gulf since taking office, visiting Saudi Arabia and Oman. He met members of the Houthi leadership in Muscat last month, Reuters reported, and the US also removed the designation of the group as a foreign terrorist organisation.