Yemenis, along with international and UN circles, are eagerly awaiting the latest developments in the Yemeni crisis file as a Saudi-Omani delegation arrives in Sanaa to meet with Houthi group leaders.
With optimism prevailing on reaching a Yemeni roadmap to end the conflict under UN sponsorship, sources say the anticipated roadmap will include renewing the ceasefire and establishing a cessation of hostilities for six months or more.
It also encompasses expanding humanitarian efforts that ensure the lifting of restrictions on land, air and sea ports, payment of salaries, and the resumption of oil exports.
Talks among the Saudis, Omanis and Houthis in Sanaa are the “closest Yemen has been to real progress towards lasting peace,” the UN's envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg said on Monday.
“This is a moment to be seized and built on and a real opportunity to start an inclusive political process under UN auspices to sustainably end the conflict,” Grundberg told the AP.
Saudi Arabia’s delegation, chaired by the kingdom’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, met with Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi’s supreme political council, which runs rebel-held areas in Yemen, according to Houthi-run news agencies.
The Omani delegation, which also attended the meeting with al-Mashat, was led by Saif Al Ismaili.
According to Yemeni sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat, the visit of the Saudi and Omani delegation attempts at putting the final touches on an anticipated settlement that could end Yemen’s eight-year-old conflict.
With the Yemeni Presidential Council (PLC) and the internationally recognized government welcoming all the UN and regional steps taken to reach a sustainable peace, many are hoping that the Houthis will seize the opportunity to end the suffering of millions of Yemenis.
While international observers expect the announcement of an agreement in the coming days, anti-Houthi circles in Yemen have expressed concerns about the group lacking seriousness in reaching a real peace deal.
