The U.S. State Department confirmed on Saturday that there is no solution in Yemen without the support of Saudi Arabia. In statements to "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath," they emphasized that the Houthis must stop their attacks against civilians in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They also stressed that their priority in Yemen is to provide assistance and reach a political solution.
### UN Welcomes Saudi Statements
This statement from the State Department came after the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, welcomed the remarks of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who called for a ceasefire in Yemen. Griffiths noted that ending the war in Yemen would greatly contribute to the stability and security of the region.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman clarified in an interview aired on "Al Arabiya" last Tuesday that the Houthis have a strong connection with the Iranian regime, adding that the militia's coup against the legitimate government in Yemen is illegal. He expressed hope that the Houthis would sit down at the negotiating table to reach solutions that guarantee the rights of all Yemenis and secure the interests of regional countries.
### Ceasefire Proposal
The Crown Prince emphasized that his country does not accept the existence of an armed group outside of the law on its borders, stressing the necessity for the Houthis to accept a ceasefire and engage in negotiations. He further noted that the offer presented by Saudi Arabia is a ceasefire and economic support in exchange for a ceasefire from the Houthis.
It is noteworthy that the Yemeni presidency supported the Saudi position in favor of peace efforts and what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared regarding the rejection of any armed groups in Yemen that operate outside the state’s authority.
The Director of the Yemeni Presidency Office, Abdullah Al-Alimi, praised the clear stance of the Kingdom as stated in the Crown Prince's interview regarding the Houthi coup against legitimacy and the refusal of any armed formations outside state authority in Yemen. He also valued Saudi Arabia's support for peace efforts and the aid and backup provided to the legitimacy and the Yemeni people, emphasizing that these are steadfast and commendable positions.
