Al Mukalla: The powerful Al Houthi militia, who are in control of most of Yemen, said on Monday that they want a halt to air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition and the lifting of a naval blockade before engaging in talks with the Saudis to end the conflict in the country.
Mohammad Al Butkiti, a spokesperson for the Al Houthis, told Gulf News that his movement is taking part in talks in Oman focused on how to strike a deal to stop fighting in Yemen.
“What I can reveal about the talks in Oman is that we demanded the halt to Saudi aggression on Yemen before talking about any deal with the Saudis,” Al Bukhiti said.
On Sunday, a senior government official in Riyadh told Gulf News that Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s government is not involved in the talks in Oman
“There are no negotiations between us and the Al Houthis in Oman. There are only meetings between the Al Houthis and the Americans,” said the official on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media.
Al Bukhiti denied the government official’s remark, saying that Hadi’s officials are spreading such “lies” to interrupt any effort to end the conflict.
“There are neither direct nor indirect talks with the Americans in Oman. There are serious efforts by regional and international forces to stop the war.”
Al Bukhiti declined to give the names of the parties that are involved in the talks. “The talks are shrouded with secrecy to ensure their success.”
