Intel: Saudi Arabia announces peace initiative to end Yemen war

AL-MONITOR Staff

Mar 22, 2021

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (L) speaks during a press conference in the capital Riyadh on March 22, 2021, announcing an offer of a ceasefire with Yemen's Huthi rebels. - Saudi Arabia offered Yemen's Huthi rebels a "comprehensive" ceasefire, among a series of proposals aimed at ending a catastrophic six-year conflict. The proposals include "a comprehensive ceasefire across the country under the supervision of the United Nations", a government statement said. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP) — Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan (L) speaks during a press conference in the capital Riyadh on March 22, 2021, announcing an offer of a cease-fire with Yemen's Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia offered Yemen's Houthi rebels a "comprehensive" cease-fire, among a series of proposals aimed at ending a catastrophic six-year conflict. The proposals include "a comprehensive cease-fire across the country under the supervision of the United Nations," a government statement said. — FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia announced a proposal to end Yemen’s civil war on Monday in a major step that appears to have been coordinated with the United States.

During a press conference in Riyadh on Monday, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan offered significant concessions in order to obtain an immediate cease-fire under United Nations supervision.

Farhan’s proposal acquiesced to two Houthi demands: lifting the Saudi-led coalition’s blockade of Yemeni ports and reopening Sanaa’s international airport. It also called for direct peace negotiations with the Houthis and the Yemeni government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

The Saudi foreign minister announced the initiative shortly after speaking with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken by phone about the situation in Yemen.

Intel: Saudi Arabia announces peace initiative to end Yemen war

Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan offered major concessions demanded by the Houthis in a bid to end the Yemen conflict.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

Continue reading this exclusive analysis

Original reporting and analysis unavailable elsewhere. Subscribe to AL-MONITOR to read this story and access everything we publish

Read By