Houthi Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Houthi Delegation Visits Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
An aid worker unloads food aid from a truck to be distributed to vulnerable families in Sanaa, Yemen, 13 September 2023. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

A Houthi delegation is set to carry out negotiations in Saudi Arabia on Friday, in the first such visit by the Iran-backed group since its coup in Yemen.

An Omani plane carrying a 10-member Houthi delegation and five officials from mediator Oman headed towards the Saudi capital, AFP reported on Thursday.

The Kingdom wanted to resume its and Oman's efforts to "reach a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen and a sustainable political solution acceptable to all Yemeni parties," the Saudi Press Agency said.

Reuters also said the discussions included paying salaries of the Yemeni employees, opening airports and ports falling under Houthi control, and reconstruction leading to a comprehensive political solution.

Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis in 2021.

According to observers, the continuation of talks reflects Riyadh’s keenness on a political solution in Yemen.



Saudi Crown Prince: No Relations with Israel without Palestinian State

The Saudi Crown Prince addresses the advisory Shura Council. SPA
The Saudi Crown Prince addresses the advisory Shura Council. SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince: No Relations with Israel without Palestinian State

The Saudi Crown Prince addresses the advisory Shura Council. SPA
The Saudi Crown Prince addresses the advisory Shura Council. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday said the Kingdom would not recognize Israel without a Palestinian state and strongly condemned the "crimes of the Israeli occupation" against the Palestinian people.

"The Kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the Kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," the Crown Prince said.

He made the remarks at an annual speech to the advisory Shura Council, which he gave on behalf of King Salman.

The Council swore an oath of office before the Crown Prince on Wednesday before he addressed it.