Yemen: No negotiations with Houthis until they recognise UN resolution

The Yemeni government will not participate in negotiations with the Houthis until the group recognise and accept UN Resolution 2216 which calls for them to disarm, the president said yesterday.

The official news agency Saba reported that a decision was made in joint meetings between Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, and his deputy Kahled Bahah, the prime minister, whereby they agreed not to participate in any negotiations with the Houthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, before the recognition of the international resolution.

The agency stated that the meeting, which included the president’s advisers, made it clear that they would not participate in any meetings until the “coup militia” declares its recognition of the international resolution, and accepts its unconditional implementation.

Saba also noted that the meeting acknowledged its refusal to agree on a time or venue for a meeting with Houthi rebels or Saleh until they declare their acceptance to the resolution and start implementing it.

UN Resolution 2216 stipulates the withdrawal of Houthis and ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh’s forces from all Yemeni cities, their disarmament, and the release of all the political prisoners.