Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia launched a peace initiative for Yemen on Monday that would reopen Sanaa airport and ease restrictions on Hodeidah port.

The initiative, announced by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh, includes a comprehensive ceasefire across the country to be supervised by the UN.

Flights would be allowed to and from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to a number of regional and international destinations.

Restriction on the port of Hodeidah would be eased, allowing access for ships and cargo. Income from the port, including tax and VAT, will go to the central bank in Hodeidah in accordance with the Stockholm agreement.

The initiative also includes the start of consultations to reach a political resolution to the conflict overseen by the UN.

“It is up to the Houthis now,” Prince Faisal said. “The Houthis must decide whether to put their interests first or Iran’s interests first.”

The plan was welcomed across the region and from the west, with Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UK all backing the move. 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Prince Faisal in a phone call that he supported efforts “end the conflict in Yemen, starting with the need for all parties to commit to a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.”