The Iran-backed Houthi militias passed up a major opportunity to show a commitment to peace by refusing to meet with a UN mediator in Oman, the US State Department said on Friday.
It also accused the Houthis of worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis by attacking the Marib, and "exacerbating dire conditions for already-vulnerable internally displaced Yemenis."
Since taking office in January, US President Joe Biden has made Yemen a priority and appointed Tim Lenderking as a special envoy to help revive stalled UN peace efforts. Lenderking returned on Thursday from a visit to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan, during which he met with UN mediator Martin Griffiths.
"There is a fair deal on the table that will bring immediate relief to Yemeni people," the State Department said.
"The Houthis passed up a major opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to peace and to make progress on this proposal by refusing to meet with UN Special Envoy Griffiths in Muscat - especially given the Republic of Yemen Government's stated readiness to reach an agreement to end the conflict."
Griffiths said on Wednesday that "we are not where we would like to be in reaching a deal."
