Saudi messages positive, must be put into practice: Politburo chief

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen
20 Sep 2023 22:52
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The Yemeni leader expresses Sanaa's readiness to address Riyadh’s concerns as much as the latter is ready to address Yemeni concerns.

The head of the Supreme Political Council in Yemen, Mahdi al-Mashat (Yemeni media)

The head of the Supreme Political Council in Yemen, Mahdi al-Mashat, pointed out on Wednesday that Sanaa is pleased with what the Yemeni delegation conveyed from the Saudi leadership, adding that these are "positive messages that we ask to put into practice."

Al-Mashat appreciated the efforts made in the negotiations file, saying, "We appreciate the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman."

The Yemeni leader confirmed Sanaa's readiness to address Riyadh’s concerns as much as the latter is ready to address Yemeni concerns.

"We look forward to adjustments in international positions that have prolonged the suffering of the Yemeni people," he indicated.

In the same context, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud voiced optimism regarding the peace talks with the Sanaa delegation aimed at reaching a resolution to the long-standing war.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the minister said he had a meeting with the Sanaa delegation in Riyadh, during which the two sides tackled efforts to facilitate the "peace process in Yemen."

Met the Sanaa delegation visiting Riyadh to continue efforts supporting the peace process in Yemen. I emphasized the Kingdom's support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision. pic.twitter.com/UNNf1NTZgz
— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) September 19, 2023

He further stressed that Saudi Arabia stands firmly behind Yemen and reiterated the Kingdom's dedication to facilitating dialogue among all involved parties, with the aim of achieving a comprehensive political resolution under the supervision of the United Nations.

Earlier, the head of the Sanaa delegation Mohammad Abdul Salam said they "held intensive meetings with the Saudi side, during which it discussed some options and alternatives to overcome the [contended issues] that stopped [negotiations] at the previous round" and confirmed that "the delegation will raise them to [Sanaa's] leadership for consultation."

He also praised "the efforts being made by the brothers in the Sultanate of Oman to support peace and end the humanitarian crisis" in Yemen.

Abdul Salam said these negotiations aim to "help speed up the employees' access to their salary, and address the humanitarian situation that the Yemeni people are suffering from," in order to reach a just, comprehensive, and sustainable solution.

It is worth noting that the Sanaa delegation returned Tuesday to Yemen following five-day talks in Riyadh.

The Minister of Information in the Sanaa government, Daifallah al-Shami, confirmed last Friday to Al Mayadeen that the Sanaa delegation's visit to Riyadh was not due to a Saudi invitation, but rather through Omani mediation.

Al-Shami indicated that the visit to Riyadh was a gesture of goodwill by Sanaa.

Al-Shami revealed that the circumstances surrounding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Muscat indicate that he was the one who asked Oman to take the initiative regarding the Sanaa delegation's visit to Riyadh.

The Yemeni Minister pointed out that Saudi Arabia is trying to present itself as a mediator in the Yemen war, but this will not succeed, because Riyadh continues to lead the aggression against its neighbor.

He underlined that Sanaa will not allow for humanitarian issues to be sidelined during negotiations, noting that Saudi Arabia holds the key to ending the war on Yemen.