GCC initiative to settle situation in Yemen

Saudi Arabia is reported to have opened lines of communication with Yemen’s Shia Houthi group with Omani mediation. The talks are aimed at settling the conflict in Sanaa which resulted in the resignation of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi and his government last week, Al-Araby Al-Jaded learned from sources.

According to the news agency, any agreement would be concluded under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and not as a Saudi initiative.

The sources pointed out that the proposed agreement demand the Houthis withdraw from the besieged presidential palace with immediate effect and that President Hadi withdraw his resignation and review the peace and partnership agreement.

The Saudi proposal also proposes former President Ali Abdullah Saleh be excluded from any political agreement.