Qatar tried to support the Houthi militants in their latest dispute with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, but the latter has rejected Doha’s intervention and mediation.
Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Qatar tried to slow down any Saleh action by proposing a mediation with the Houthis.
Sources close to the former president revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that he rejected the suggestion.
Saleh had on Saturday announced that he was opening a new chapter with the Saudi-led Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen, thereby ending his alliance with the Houthis.
Clashes have been raging in the capital Sana’a between the Houthis and Saleh supporters since Wednesday.
Member of Saleh’s National People's Congress Dr. Adel Shujaa told Asharq Al-Awsat that the office of the Qatari Foreign Ministry had contacted Saleh’s bureau to propose a mediation in order to ease the tensions with the Houthis.
Saleh refused however to allow the Congress to fall in Qatar’s hands.
Shujaa added that Doha has in the meantime contacted former Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qarbi, saying it wanted to host him for talks on a possible mediation between the Congress and Houthis. Saleh had also rejected this suggested and this reply was relayed by Qarbi to Doha.
Shujaa explained that the Congress is aware that the Qataris are now seeking temporary allies due to the crisis Doha is experiencing with a number of countries.
Yemeni Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Mansour Bjash told Asharq Al-Awsat that Qatar abandoned the Arab coalition and it now has ties with Iran. It therefore is seeking a reconciliation that would form a policy that adheres to it and follows its agenda.
