UN envoy: Houthi constitutional declaration not a reference for talks

UN envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar described the “constitutional declaration” announced by the Shia Houthi rebels as “unilateral action” which means that it will not be adopted as a reference for future talks, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Benomar’s remarks came in response to a statement by the Nasserist Party yesterday which said that Benomar did not reveal the terms of reference for talks or announce his opposition of the Houthi’s constitutional declaration.

In a statement, Benomar said: “The only references for talks between the political parties and the Houthi group are the GCC initiative, the national dialogue outputs, the peace and partnership agreement and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

He called on the Nasserist party to “return to the negotiating table”.

The Nasserist Party said in a statement released earlier in the day that they agreed to resume talks after UN envoy agreed to announce the talks’ terms of reference.

On Monday, the UN envoy said: “Houthi rebels continue to besiege the residence of former President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi.”

On Sunday, the UN Security Council unanimously voted on a resolution demanding Houthi rebels withdraw from Sanaa and release all individuals under house arrest as well as stop armed hostilities.