Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia proposes new initiative to end Yemen war

Saudi Arabia presented on Monday a new peace initiative to end the war in Yemen which includes a nationwide ceasefire under UN supervision, the kingdom’s foreign minister said. Yemen’s internationally recognised government welcomed the initiative to end the six-year-old conflict, a statement from its foreign ministry said.

The initiative also includes the reopening of Sana’a airport, allowing fuel and food imports through Hodeidah port and restarting political negotiations between the Saudi-Backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthis, said Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

“The initiative will take effect as soon as the Houthis agree to it,” Prince Faisal said.

Al Houthis have demanded the lifting of an air and sea blockade, which has contributed to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as their main pre-condition before any peace deal.

The Saudi-led coalition has said the port and airport must be restricted to prevent weapons from reaching the Houthis who control the capital and most populous areas.

The announcement did not specify which routes would be permitted for aircraft flying to Sanaa, or whether food or fuel imports through Hodeidah port would be subject to additional pre-authorisations.

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Gulf News
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