Saudi Arabia welcomes US designation of Houthis as terrorists
Houthis pose threats to international peace, security and world economy: foreign ministry
Saudi Arabia welcomed the US designation of the Iran-backed Houthi militia as a terrorist organisation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Saudi Arabia welcomes the decision by the US administration to designate the Houthi militia as a terrorist organisation and to place its leaders on the terror list,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said that it is a step consistent with the demands of the legitimate Yemeni government to put an end to the violations by the Iranian-backed militia and the real threats it poses to Yemen which have led to the deterioration in the humanitarian situation of the Yemeni people.
The Houthis continue to pose threats to international peace and security and the world economy, the statement said.
The ministry expressed hope that the designation would contribute to putting an end to the terrorist acts carried out by the Houthi militia and its backers.
It will also stop the supply of missiles, drones, sophisticated weapons to the terrorist Houthis and dry up sources of its funding.
The foreign ministry said the US move will support ongoing political efforts and will force leaders of the Houthi militia to seriously return to the negotiation table.
The ministry affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the efforts and proposals of the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths to end the crisis in Yemen and reach a comprehensive political solution.