Yemen Government Nominates Negotiators to Hold Direct Talks With Houthis
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) approved the names of the negotiating delegation that will meet with the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group in coming talks under the sponsorship of Oman and Saudi Arabia, Faraj Al-Bahsani, Vice Chairman of the PLC, said on Tuesday.
In an interview with Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Bahsani indicated that the Saudi-Oman-led peace efforts continue in full swing and the road map that is under discussion enjoys considerable regional and international support.
According to Al-Bahsani, the roadmap prioritizes a ceasefire, normalizing the situation, reopening roads, and reopening airports and ports.
Since the start of the Houthi-Saudi public talks in April last year, the Houthis have refused to hold direct talks with the Presidential Leadership Council.
Al-Bahsani said, "How long will they [Houthis] continue to reject? This is our issue. They refuse today and tomorrow. Ultimately, they must sit with us. This is inevitable, and Saudi efforts will make this possible very soon."
Four days ago, informed sources from the Houthi group told Sheba Intelligence that a Saudi-Houthi agreement was about to be announced. However, the public statements by Houthi officials in Sanaa indicate that a deal between Saudis and Houthis is still distant.
On Friday, the Houthi-appointed president Mahdi Al-Mashat, expressed resentment about the progress of peace talks with Riyadh. He said, "While we affirm our interest in peace with the aggression coalition, we express our deep dissatisfaction with the procrastination and refusal to engage in confidence-building measures."
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said Monday that Muscat felt seriousness from all Yemeni parties to resolve the conflict in the country. However, he said, "The challenge lies in getting the two sides to agree on the common ground to move forward towards drawing a road map for Yemen."
