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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Berlin - Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi FM Blames Houthis for Escalation in Yemen

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (AP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has blamed the Houthis for escalating the situation in Yemen, saying they continue to attack areas under government control.

The minister indicated that the militias reject peace, while Saudi Arabia is trying everything in its power to protect the Yemeni government's areas.

"We intervened in Marib more forcefully to ensure it is not invaded, and send a clear signal to the Houthis that violence does not help and dialogue is the only solution."

Prince Faisal said the Houthi attacks on Saudi and Emirati airports and facilities indicate the group has not yet decided to do what is in the interest of Yemen.

He hoped to cooperate with international partners and exert more pressure to ensure Houthis would accept a ceasefire and enter a political dialogue otherwise, there will be consequences.

The Saudi minister warned that the German move in limiting weapons exports sends a signal to the Houthis that the international community may not support the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.

He warned that the German arms embargo "sends a very wrong signal," explaining that it will allow the Houthis to believe that "our partners do not support us, which creates an impression that the international community may not support Saudi Arabia and its partners in the region."

"It is important that we have the resources to defend ourselves."

Saudi Arabia uses the weapons against the Houthis and needs them to protect itself against the attacks, said the minister.

"We don't need weapons to be aggressive, but to protect ourselves," he said.

The Saudi FM confirmed that Riyadh did not launch the war in Yemen, but "we are continuing our efforts to find a political path to solve the crisis."

The minister reiterated that his country proposed a ceasefire last March followed by a political process, noting that this is the second time the Kingdom has submitted this proposal.

However, the Houthis have not accepted any proposal and refused to hold any dialogue.

On cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Germany, Prince Faisal explained that Vision 2030 targets many economic, cultural, and social fields.

It provides a significant opportunity for cooperation with Germany in cultural exchange, professional training, and the environment.

The FM explained that transitioning to green energy is an important part of Vision 2030, saying Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in this field and expanding its capabilities in green hydrogen.

Saudi Arabia and Germany are historically associated with a close partnership and friendship based on industrial cooperation, and Riyadh is determined to expand this cooperation to include green energy.

On the nuclear deal with Iran, the minister said: "We have no confidence that the JCPOA in its current state can prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb."

"We understand the desire of our partners to return to talks, but we believe that these negotiations should be the beginning, not the end."

The nuclear talks are "just a step in the right direction," said the FM, warning that if Iran built a nuclear bomb it may push other countries to follow the same path.

"We adopt a strong principle against nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in general, and we adhere to this principle, but if Iran possesses these nuclear capabilities, it will destabilize the region."

The minister also addressed the peace agreements concluded between Arab countries and Israel, stressing the need to find a way for the Palestinians and Israelis to sit at the negotiating table.

"The priority now is to find an arrangement so that Israelis and Palestinians can sit together and have a peace process that can be worked on."

He indicated that this would make it easier for all countries that do not have relations with Israel.

Normalization with Israel will happen when a just solution is found, said the minister.

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