Yemen’s warring parties kicked off Monday UN-sponsored talks in the Jordanian capital to discuss economic issues that could help revive the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.
The talks came two days after Houthi militias began their alleged withdrawal from the three Red Sea ports of Hodeidah, a move considered by the legitimate government a “ridiculous play” that violated the clauses of the Stockholm Agreement, reached between both sides in Sweden last December.
Reuters news agency reported Monday that the Amman talks focused on sharing out revenues from Hodeidah’s three ports to help relieve an urgent humanitarian crisis.
It quoted a UN official as saying that the office of UN envoy Martin Griffiths was facilitating the meeting.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the Houthis’ Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said in a tweet that “the UN and its special envoy are sponsoring talks in Amman ... to discuss the issue of salaries."
Yemeni National Army spokesman Brigadier General Abdo Abdullah Majali hinted that the legitimacy would resort to other options if diplomatic efforts fail to push Houthis into pulling out from the three ports.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday that the National Army is on alert to protect its military positions in Hodeidah province, under the directives of the Armed Forces commander.
“In case the UN clearly announces that Houthis have obstructed the peace process, the National Army will take the necessary military measures to liberate Hodeidah province,” the spokesman said.
Majali added that the Army possesses a special force trained in urban fighting to accurately hit targets, while protecting civilians and vital installations.
He accused Houthis of taking part in a “ridiculous play” in Hodeidah, by claiming to withdrawing from the ports of Saleef, Ras Isa and Hodeidah. The spokesman said militias fighters, who claimed to be pulling out, changed their outfits and redeployed in vital port installations and military positions.
“The Army would not allow them to play such games in contravention of international resolutions,” Majali warned.
