Ali Abdullah Saleh, the former president of Yemen, stated on Saturday, December 2, that he is ready to enter a "new chapter" in relations between Yemen and the coalition countries if the Saudi-led military coalition and some other Islamic countries halt their attacks on Yemen. According to Reuters, Saleh's loyal forces have been engaged in clashes with Houthi rebels in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, for four consecutive days, with both groups previously fighting together against the Saudi-led coalition but now blaming each other for the conflict. In a televised speech, Saleh said: "I ask my brothers in neighboring countries and the military coalition to end their aggression, break the siege, open the airports, allow food to enter the country, and let the wounded be treated. In return, we will start a new chapter based on good neighborliness." He added: "We will have a positive approach towards them. Everything that has happened to Yemen so far is enough." The Saudi-led military coalition has been conducting operations in Yemen since 2015 with the aim of restoring President Mansour Hadi to power. The humanitarian situation in Yemen has reached a critical stage, particularly in recent weeks due to the blockade, with approximately eight million people on the brink of famine. Saleh, who was forced to resign after 33 years in power due to popular uprisings in 2011, told the Yemeni parliament, which is dominated by his party, that he is the only person with legitimate power in Yemen and is ready to negotiate with coalition countries. Reuters reports that the Saudi-led coalition welcomed Saleh's change of position, stating in a statement that it is confident in the determination of Saleh's party leaders and members to return to the Arab fold. Saudi Arabia, which currently has very strained relations with Iran, accuses Tehran of seeking to expand its influence in Arab countries, including Yemen, and of supporting the Houthi rebels and Saleh with this intent. The Houthis have accused Saleh of treason and have stated that they will continue their fight against the Saudi-led military coalition.
Ali Abdullah Saleh Expresses Readiness to Negotiate with Saudi Arabia and Its Allies
Ali Abdullah Saleh has expressed his willingness to negotiate with Saudi Arabia and its allies if they cease their military actions in Yemen. This comes amidst ongoing clashes between Saleh's forces and Houthi rebels, who previously fought together against the Saudi-led coalition. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is dire, with millions facing famine, highlighting the urgency of a diplomatic resolution.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Ali Abdullah Saleh has expressed readiness to negotiate with Saudi Arabia and its allies if they stop their military actions in Yemen. This comes amid ongoing clashes with Houthi rebels, highlighting the fractured alliances in the Yemeni conflict.
- Saleh's forces have been fighting Houthi rebels in Sana'a for four days.
- The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is critical, with millions facing famine.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, with various factions, including Saleh's forces and the Houthis, fighting against a Saudi-led coalition. The humanitarian crisis has reached alarming levels, with millions at risk of famine.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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