Saudi Arabia unveils initiative to stop bloodshed in Yemen

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan unveiled on March 22 a new initiative for calm in Yemen.

The initiative, he said, would seek to bring about a ceasefire in the war-torn country in coordination with the United Nations.

He added that the initiative would also seek to open the door for political dialogue.

Bin Farhan blamed Iranian interference in Yemen's affairs for fueling the conflict in the country.

"Riyadh abides by its right to defend itself," the Saudi foreign minister said.

He said the initiative includes the reopening of Sana'a International Airport for local and international flights and opening the door for the import of fuel and foodstuffs to the country.

Yemeni parties would then start consultations on the road to reaching a political solution to the crisis in their country, Minister bin Farhan said.

He said the aspired settlement would be based on Security Council resolution 2216 and the Gulf initiative.

Bin Farhan called on the legitimate Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Houthi militia to accept the initiative.

It gives the Houthis, he said, the chance to find a rational solution to the problem in their country and stop the bloodbath in it.

The initiative also will try to improve deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Yemen and also improve the country's economic situation, bin Farhan said.

We want the Yemenis to be partners in the making of peace, he added.

He noted that the initiative comes in support of the efforts made by the United Nations special envoy to Yemen and the United States envoy to the country.