• Ann Linde also held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan

Arab News

RIYADH: Yemen’s president has told the Swedish foreign minister that the Houthi militia failed to uphold any elements of an agreement reached in Stockholm in 2019.

Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi met Ann Linde and Sweden’s envoy to Yemen Peter Semneby in the Saudi capital, Riyadh on Monday.

Linde also held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir.

Sweden hosted key peace talks in its capital more than two years, which were expected to pave the way toward a political solution to the conflict.

Productive meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan today in #Riyadh. We discussed the peace efforts in Yemen, bilateral issues, and human rights. @FaisalbinFarhan pic.twitter.com/2zZ4tLohEL

— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) May 31, 2021

However, many aspects of the agreement were not implemented by the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which in recent months has ramped up its fighting in Marib province.

During Monday’s meeting, Hadi praised Sweden for its support for Yemen and its sponsorship of the Stockholm talks.

Hadi also thanked Sweden for taking a leading relief and humanitarian role.

The president briefed the Swedish delegation on the latest developments in Yemen and the human suffering brought by the Houthis including the recruitment of child fighters, the continued siege of cities, the offensive in Marib, and targeting camps for those displaced by the conflict.

“These militias and those behind them do not believe in coexistence and peace,” he said.

Good and open discussions with Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir in #Riyadh. Constructive dialogue on regional developments, women’s empowerment, and the conflict in Yemen. @AdelAljubeir pic.twitter.com/sN9oLzpygD

— Ann Linde (@AnnLinde) May 31, 2021

“The Houthis did not implement any of the provisions of the Stockholm Agreement, and have taken advantage of the truce to destabilize international navigation through booby-trapped boats, and other abuses and violations.”

The president said any attempts ha has made to make peace or offer concessions have been rejected by the Houthis.

Linde praised the efforts made by the president to overcome the repercussions of the war and the crisis facing Yemen, and said she looked forward to seeing peace prevail in cooperation with the international community.

Sweden, she said, would continue to providing support to Yemen, particularly in the humanitarian situation and holding donor conferences.

The meeting was also attended by Yemeni Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.