The United States called on the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen to comply with Saudi Arabia’s initiative and immediately hold dialogue with the legitimate government to restore order in Aden.
Speaking from Riyadh on Friday, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker stressed that focus must be shifted to confronting the Iran-backed Houthi militias.
He stated that Washington supports the territorial integrity of Yemen, adding that the US views as a “problem” the STC’s actions against President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi’s government.
He hoped the government would be reunited once again so that it could focus on priorities and find solutions, through dialogue with the Houthis, to establish a stable future for Yemen.
Furthermore, Schenker refused to divulge details about the discussions the US is holding with the Houthis and which were brought to light for the first time on Thursday.
Asked by Asharq Al-Awsat about the militias’ denial of the talks, he replied that he had no knowledge of this matter, adding that the US was holding talks with all Yemeni parties.
The Houthis are part of the problem and they will be part of the solution, he explained. A solution cannot be reached without holding dialogue with them.
Asked about his expectations from the talks with the Houthis, he said that the US was engaged with United Nations envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, Saudi Arabia, Hadi and the Houthis.
The priority lies in reuniting the government, Schenker stressed.
