Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam stated on Friday that the negotiations with Saudi and Omani envoys, which facilitated the talks, were serious and positive. The delegations concluded their negotiation activities in the capital, Sana'a, after discussions marked by seriousness and positivity, and progress on some issues, with hopes of completing discussions on unresolved matters later, God willing. He expressed deep gratitude to the brothers in Oman for their responsible efforts to overcome obstacles and support the peace option. — Mohammed Abdul Salam (@abdusalamsalah) April 14, 2023.
The Saudi delegation concluded peace talks in Yemen's capital, Sana'a, with the Houthi group, whose officials reported progress, stating, "There is a need for further discussions to resolve outstanding disputes." Two Yemeni officials, who requested anonymity, mentioned that "the Saudi team left Sana'a yesterday after a visit that represented a move to build on a ceasefire mediated by the United Nations. The two parties may agree on an extended ceasefire while working to resolve ongoing disputes."
For his part, Houthi political bureau member Mohammed Al-Bukaiti indicated that "the negotiations are proceeding well." He stated, "Negotiations in Sana'a are going well, and to move past the past, we must look to the future, but we must first resolve all the consequences of the past without further delay. The announcement of a historic agreement in Sana'a will mark the dawn of a new Arab Spring for reconciliation and tolerance." — Mohammed Al-Bukaiti (@M_N_Albukhaiti) April 13, 2023.
Abdul Malik Al-Ajri, another Houthi official, believed that "with determination and sincere intentions, the remaining difficulties can be overcome." He remarked, "In these blessed nights of the Nights of Decree, which are better than a thousand months, we pray to God to write the end of aggression and the beginning of peace and stability. With determination and sincere intentions, the remaining difficulties can be overcome. We also wish to extend our deep appreciation to our brothers in Oman for facilitating the meetings between the parties and their efforts..." — Abdul Malik Al-Ajri (@alejri77) April 13, 2023.
Sources told "Reuters": "The talks facilitated by Oman between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis focused on a ceasefire, reopening Houthi-controlled ports, fully reopening Sana'a airport, paying public sector salaries, reconstruction efforts, and the withdrawal of foreign troops from Yemen." The Southern Transitional Council, a separatist council in southern Yemen, which is part of the anti-Houthi coalition and the Presidential Leadership Council, confirmed to "Reuters" that it supports these peace initiatives but will not accept certain conditions. A council official, Amr Al-Baidh, indicated on Tuesday that "these conditions include sharing oil revenues between the north and south, merging central bank branches, or using southern resources to pay salaries."
