Saudi peace initiative applauded internationally but downplayed by Yemenis
Saudi Arabia announced a new peace initiative to end the 6-year-old war in Yemen at a time when there has been a military escalation and peace talks have stalemated.
The war in Yemen has entered its seventh year, and diplomatic efforts remain ineffective when it comes to opening the door to peace. All previous peace drives hit stalemates amid a continued surge in violence in this war-torn country. Still, diplomacy has not been abandoned and pleas for peace have been unceasing.
On March 22, Saudi Arabia presented a peace initiative to wind down the war in Yemen. The proposal laid out the need for a comprehensive cease-fire, reopening Houthi-controlled Sanaa International Airport, and allowing fuel ships to dock at Houthi-run Hodeida. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan pronounced the initiative in Riyadh, saying, "We want the guns to fall completely silent."
But Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam quickly said the initiative did not propose anything new. He wrote on Twitter, "Any stance or initiative that does not note that Yemen has been subjected to six years of aggression and siege and that does not separate the humanitarian issue from any military or political agreement … offers nothing serious and nothing new."
Many countries, including the United States, the UK and China, voiced support for the new Saudi peace drive, calling on the warring sides in Yemen to seize the opportunity. But while this backing for the initiative appears to be good news, it means little to multitudes of Yemenis.
