RIYADH: Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said to negotiate permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh’s military involvement in country’s long-running war. Visit indicates progress in Oman-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, which run in parallel with UN peace efforts.

Peace efforts have also gained momentum after arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reestablish ties in deal brokered by China. Envoys, who landed late on Saturday, will meet with head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat to hold talks on ending hostilities and lifting Saudi-led “Blockade” on Yemeni ports, Houthi news agency SABA reported. Sources have told Reuters that Saudi-Houthi talks are focused on full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts and timeline for foreign forces to exit country.

Yemen’s war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Houthis ousted Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014 and have de facto control of north Yemen, saying they are rising up against a corrupt system and foreign aggression.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 10 2023

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