US Ambassador to Yemen Matthew Tueller told Asharq Al-Awsat on Sunday that it was up to Yemenis to agree on a just and sustainable solution to their country’s conflict based on the cessation of hostilities, the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid, and a transitional phase representing all Yemenis.
Tueller said that his country is determined to respect its commitments to achieve a political solution in Yemen.
However, he said there is a high level of distrust as some parties benefit from the conflict to make personal gains, rendering any peace progress a difficult task.
Asked about any signs whether Houthis or Saleh are willing to return to the negotiation table, Tueller confirmed that both parties are ready for serious talks.
The US ambassador said Washington supports the efforts of UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad in achieving peace.
Tueller also revealed the presence of contacts between the US embassy in Yemen and both Saleh and the Houthis, although the diplomat did not offer any information about the level and content of these talks.
Meanwhile, Asharq Al-Awsat learned on Sunday from two informed diplomatic sources that active talks held in Riyadh in the past two weeks, are expected to produce a ministerial meeting between the Group of Five for Yemen that includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, US, Britain and Oman.
The meeting might convene at the end of this week or early next week. However, an Arab diplomatic source told Asharq Al-Awsat that it was not confirmed yet.
After an extended standstill, the visits conducted by British and US officials in addition to the resumption of the UN envoy’s tour that kicked off from Riyadh, show that the Yemeni reconciliation file has been activated.
