Saudi Arabia and Oman are leading relentless efforts to establish peace in Yemen, affirmed Gen. Faraj Al-Bahsani, the deputy head of Yemen’s Presidential Leader Council (PLC).
The current roadmap for peace being discussed enjoys significant regional and international support, noted Al-Bahsani in an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat. He explained that the key features of the plan include a ceasefire, normalization of the situation, opening up routes to facilitate the lives of citizens, and the reopening of airports and ports.
Moreover, the PLC has approved the members of its negotiating delegation, which will engage with the Iran-backed Houthi militias in any upcoming talks.
Al-Bahsani expressed optimism regarding the progress in the peace process pursued by the legitimate government, emphasizing that it is a service to the Yemeni people, not a sign of weakness.
He stressed that Saudi Arabia is making extraordinary efforts to establish a roadmap for achieving progress in Yemen’s peace process. Al-Bahsani highlighted a high level of coordination with the Kingdom in all steps taken towards achieving peace in the country.
He also discussed counterterrorism efforts in Yemen, criticisms of the government, and the southern issue and its potential resolutions, among other important topics.
“Since its establishment, the PLC has declared its commitment to achieving peace, but it must be a just peace based on UN resolutions and relevant Gulf decisions,” asserted Al-Bahsani.
“Today, we are witnessing extraordinary efforts by the Saudi leadership to help us tread this path, and for the Houthis to embrace the idea of peace.”
“Therefore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is making strenuous efforts to establish a roadmap for advancing the peace process," he added.
He also noted that the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen had displayed great flexibility and took risks, even visiting the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa.
“Saudi Arabia has made significant progress, and Oman has also played a helpful role in various aspects,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the PLC is closely monitoring peace developments, revealing that the government delegation set to negotiate with the Houuthis would be periodically strengthened with specialized professionals.
“We are ready,” declared Al-Bahsani.
“We are optimistic because we believe that the peace process is inevitable. No matter how complex the problems may be, negotiations will ultimately lead to peace,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“The war has been prolonged, and the biggest loser is the Yemeni people. The Houthis must understand that our pursuit of the peace process is not a sign of weakness; it is a service to the people given their immense suffering on various levels,” clarified Al-Bahsani.
As for the Houthis refusing to meet with the legitimate government, Al-Bahsani said: “How long will they refuse? We are the rightful party. They can refuse today and tomorrow, but in the end, they will have to sit down with us.”
“There is no escape from that, and Saudi efforts will make it possible soon,” he revealed.
He disclosed that there is now a peace roadmap being studied with the support of Saudi Arabia, the US, Europe, and the international community. He added that when agreement is reached on this plan, progress will be made.
The roadmap allows citizens, as well as political, tribal, and social figures, to voice their opinions and reject the Houthis and their policies, highlighted Al-Bahsani.
He emphasized that Saudi leadership regularly informs the PLC about any steps related to advancing the peace process.
“Saudi coordination is on a remarkable and intensive level, serving as a fundamental incentive for our progress towards peace,” he said.
Regarding reports of disagreement taking place among members of the PLC, Al-Bahsani expressed his surprise, saying there is substantial consensus and agreement among PLC members on various issues.
“All decisions of the PLC are made collectively. It is true that there is divergence on certain matters, which is normal. However, in the end, we come together and vote on the decisions,” he explained.
“There is significant debate, but ultimately, guided by Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi, the PLC serves as a model of leadership at this stage,” revealed Al-Bahsani.
Addressing criticism against the government, He acknowledged that the cabinet is operating under extremely difficult, complex, and exceptional circumstances.
It is navigating an economic war, with their primary focus being on providing resources and services, including electricity, water, education, healthcare, and ensuring the payment of salaries to employees, he went on to say.
“The government’s efforts are commendable, but there have been shortcomings, and the people expect better performance,” he acknowledged.
Al-Bahsani affirmed that the PLC has made a decision to enter the peace process with a strong and unified stance on numerous critical affairs, including the southern issue.
“We are seeking unity of purpose and a solution for the southern issue, all to ensure that we move forward cohesively and avoid future disagreements,” he said.
